As a participating organization, MegaPath will work with the Council to evolve the PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and other payment card data protection standards.

As a Participating Organization, MegaPath will now have access to the latest payment card security standards from the Council, be able to provide feedback on the standards and become part of a growing community that now includes more than 500 organizations. In an era of increasingly sophisticated attacks on systems, adhering to the PCI DSS represents an entity's best protection against data criminals. By joining as a Participating Organization, MegaPath is adding its voice to the process.

MegaPath's Retail Network provides security for credit card transactions and supports data communications for essential retail applications, including point-of-sale (POS), back office systems, training and digital video surveillance. The Company's retail solutions leverage its all-optical, nationwide MPLS backbone to connect stores and remote locations with headquarters. With MegaPath's comprehensive suite of Managed Security Services, which includes Managed Firewall and Digital Certificates/PKI, as well as the expertise of its engineers, the company can customize a secure, flexible IP virtual private network (VPN) solution tailored to a retailer's specific requirements.

"Store owners are constantly looking for the most secure and convenient way to conduct financial transactions," said Beth Tyebjee, SVP of Products and Project Management, MegaPath. "MegaPath's Retail Network provides convenience stores and retailers a fast and secure way to process payment transactions, ultimately reducing costs and improving customer service. We look forward to working with the Council and becoming an active part of the payment standards process and to exchange best practices with others in the industry."

The PCI DSS, endorsed by American Express, Discover Financial Services, JCB International, MasterCard Worldwide and Visa Inc., requires merchants and service providers that store, process or transmit customer payment card data to adhere to information security controls and processes that ensure data integrity. More information on the council and the standard can be found at www.pcisecuritystandards.org

"The PCI Security Standards Council is committed to helping everyone involved in the payment chain protect consumer payment data," said Bob Russo, General Manager of the PCI Security Standards Council. "By participating in the standards setting process, MegaPath demonstrates they are playing an active part in this important end goal."