Mako Networks, a cloud-based network management company, and Phoenix Managed Networks, a payment network services provider, have today announced an international agreement to provide a new solution called PaySecure to simplify payment security and compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).
Under the terms of the multimillion dollar agreement, Mako will provide its award-winning hardware and software-based service to Phoenix Managed Networks, which will serve as distributor and operator of a customized central management system that delivers cloud-based security management and PCI DSS compliance support to card-present merchants and SMBs.
The mandatory PCI DSS, created by the five major credit card companies in 2004, helps merchants that process, store or transmit credit card data reduce the risk of credit card fraud through a variety of safeguards. Among the most difficult aspects of compliance is network security, which PaySecure simplifies through the use of a preconfigured PCI DSS template and robust firewall and security protocols.
Says Bill Farmer, CEO of Mako Networks: "Mako is pleased to partner with an organization of Phoenix's calibre. Jack McDonnell and his team have an exemplary reputation for quality service and innovation in the payments industry. Delivered through two certified PCI DSS Level 1 service providers, PaySecure is uniquely positioned to provide the best available means for merchants to achieve and maintain security and PCI DSS compliance."
Adds Phoenix Managed Networks CEO Jack McDonnell: "Partnership with Mako enables us to further extend our reach into merchant locations and provide a service that simplifies PCI compliance without compromising security. PaySecure streamlines the annual PCI DSS audit process, saves money and resources, and significantly reduces the burden of compliance."
The PaySecure solution starts at merchant locations, where a Mako network appliance locks down payment networks to PCI DSS criteria and provides a primary connection to the Internet. Each cloud-managed network appliance provides on-site network security, while the Phoenix Managed Networks-operated central management system is used to configure and apply continuous compliance monitoring tools and safeguards.
PaySecure is available to merchants through Phoenix Managed Networks and its resellers now.