Home Depot eliminates malware that affected 56 million payment cards

The Home Depot says it has eliminated malware from its U.S. and Canadian networks that affected 56 million unique payment cards between April and September.

The Atlanta-based home improvement retailer said Thursday it has also completed a “major” payment security project that provides enhanced encryption of customers’ payment data in the company’s U.S. stores.

Home Depot also is confirming its sales-growth estimates for the fiscal year and expects to earn $4.54 per share in fiscal 2014, up 2 cents from its prior guidance.

WATCH: Sept. 3 — Home Depot is investigating a major cyber-security breach. It appears hackers have infiltrated the store’s computer networks, gathering customers’ credit card information and possibly selling the data online. Mike Drolet has the details.