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CMU Team Recognized For Helping Crack ID Thefts

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It was the biggest identity theft ring in history and until a local university stepped in, tens of millions of people faced having their debit or credit card numbers stolen.

Now, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are getting federal recognition.

In places like Marshalls or TJ Maxx, you may have ended up like 40 million others, your credit card numbers hacked.

"As far as we know, this is the single largest identity theft case that's ever been charged in this country," said U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey.

Last month, the Feds caught nearly a dozen people accused of orchestrating that massive scheme, and they got a little help along the way.

"Computer security is really an arms race between the good guys and the bad guys," said Cal Waits, of the CERT Technical Team.

The CERT team at Carnegie Mellon University was recognized today for their efforts using advanced Encrytion, or techniques that essentially seal data in a virtual lock box.

It helped crack the five year old case that cost retailers like TJ Maxx nearly $130 million.

"We worked closely with special agents and designed a way that when you go into a crime scene, you can identify the presence of Encryption and use the tools we've developed here as well," said Waits.

While the exact details of CMU's role is obviously a trade secret, the University is hoping that bringing in lawmakers may eventually foster additional cooperation and of course, the money to make it happen.

"We wanted to learn how to apply this to other ways and we're going to bring Federal resources here to continue the growth," said U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire.

"We're doing things in Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon that are helping the entire USA," said U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle. "This is a jewel here in Pittsburgh."