Verizon helps Equens SpA

April 07, 2009 - Milan

Equens SpA, a leading payment card processor for financial companies, has selected Verizon Business to help obtain Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) certification. Verizon Business' professional security services team will provide a range of consultancy, audit, management and implementation services.

Equens SpA's payment and card processing services -- including card issuing and ATM and point of sale management -- are used by hundreds of financial institutions in Italy. Equens SpA was established in 2008 as a joint initiative between Equens, one of Europe's largest payment processors, and the Istituto Centrale delle Banche Popolari Italiane (ICBPI), which provides technology, financial and business services to Italian financial institutions.

"Compliance with PCI-DSS is a business-critical objective for us," said Ivan Dalto, general manager of Equens SpA. "Given the huge amount of confidential data handled by our systems every day, PCI-DSS compliance means that our customers can be assured of the security of our services - and therefore the security of their own transactions. As our customers are some of the top financial organisations in Italy - our suppliers really need to demonstrate a good understanding of the specific security requirements of the financial markets. The Verizon Business team has strong expertise and experience in the security and financial markets, and is able to bring these skills to bear to benefit our business."

Ciske van Oosten, practice lead for PCI security services, Verizon Business EMEA, said: "Companies that handle large amounts of confidential customer data need security and compliance to be a top priority. Any issues could impact not only the reputation of these companies, but also that of their customers. Verizon Business has the skills, knowledge and experience to help companies like Equens SpA navigate the complex compliance procedures as quickly and simply as possible. And with compliance taken care of, the company can focus on delivering its services to its customers."