Netifice Communications Becomes First Network Service Provider to Comply with Visa Cardholder Information Security Program

Business Wire, June 9, 2004

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 9, 2004

Netifice VPN Services Meet Strict Criteria for Delivering

Secure Credit Card Processing

Netifice Communications, Inc., a leading provider of flexible IP Virtual Private Network (VPN) solutions to businesses worldwide, today announced that it has complied with Visa's Cardholder Information Security Program (CISP). As the first network service provider to receive this level of security compliance, Netifice is ensuring that its retail customers can use its broadband IP VPN services to process credit card transactions securely and reliably.

Among its various remote access and site-to-site VPN services, Netifice has developed a specific solution for retail merchants - Netifice Retail Connect VPN. This solution combines cost-effective broadband access with IPSec encryption and MPLS private networking to safely and efficiently deliver credit card transaction data directly to the major credit card processors.

"The majority of our sales are paid for via credit card. That is why it was so important to us that Netifice receive this Visa compliance before our implementation," said Caryl Paez, CIO at Cache. "Netifice's Visa compliance verifies that we will receive the best possible security for our critical communications. We could not consider any vendor that didn't meet Visa's strict criteria."

Netifice underwent a comprehensive three-month review process conducted by a Visa-authorized security assessor to ensure that the company and its solutions meet Visa's strict security guidelines. As part of this compliance, Netifice's services have been reviewed to ensure that they encrypt all data sent across public networks, include precautions to protect Netifice network elements and offer robust firewall services with up-to-date security policies to protect customer data and network resources. In addition, the review process included verification that Netifice has implemented processes to regularly test its security systems and processes; has adopted a company-wide information security policy; and has adopted a process to restrict access to network equipment and systems to only authorized personnel.

"As the first network service provider to comply with Visa's Cardholder Information Security Program, Netifice has once again demonstrated its leadership role in enabling businesses to use broadband services in place of more costly WAN technologies for their mission-critical applications," said Greg Davis, Vice President of Marketing and Product Management at Netifice Communications. "This certification illustrates Netifice's technical expertise and unmatched commitment to the security and reliability of our customers' data communications."

"Retail merchants are rapidly migrating from dial and Frame Relay to broadband networking technologies to process credit cards transactions more quickly and more cost-effectively," said John Shaughnessy, senior vice president, Visa USA. "In making this transition, it's important that security considerations be a top priority in any implementation. The Visa Cardholder Information Security Program (CISP) requires that companies take extensive precautions to ensure the security and integrity of their customer's credit card transaction data. As such, Visa requires that its Members or its merchants using any network service provider require the provider to comply with the CISP requirements."

In April 2000, Visa announced the launch of its Cardholder Information Security Program (CISP). CISP defines a standard of due care for securing Visa cardholder data, wherever it is located. CISP compliance has been required of all entities storing, processing, or transmitting Visa cardholder data. Members must comply with CISP and are responsible for ensuring the compliance of their merchants and Agents--whether they support Issuing or Acquiring activity--for all payment channels, including retail (brick-and-mortar), mail/telephone-order, and e-commerce.

Netifice Solutions

Netifice delivers the most flexible IP VPNs available, enabling businesses to integrate all of their mission-critical applications onto a single secure and scalable network platform that spans the entire enterprise. Netifice can tailor a solution that is cost-effective and fits its customers' specific requirements -- whether they need to run performance-sensitive applications between the corporate headquarters and branch offices via the Netifice MPLS fiber optic network, or extend their infrastructure to include numerous other carrier networks, increasing their reach to thousands of remote users and retail sites via broadband, wireless, satellite and global dial access.

About Netifice Communications, Inc.

Netifice Communications is a global provider of flexible IP VPN solutions that enable businesses to lower costs, increase scalability and expand the deployment of enterprise applications and communication systems. Netifice customizes its clients IP VPNs using the widest selection of access, security and communication options, combined with advanced systems for managing and monitoring their IP VPN. Customers can easily deploy expansive networks so that their corporate headquarters, regional offices, remote workers, and retail outlets can communicate with each other as if they were in the same location. Netifice is recognized by customers for delivering the highest quality service and support with industry-leading Service Level Agreements that guarantee site-to-site performance and reliability. For more information go to www.netifice.com or call 1-877-NETIFICE.