EarthLink Unveils PCI Compliance Solutions

By Khali Henderson

EarthLink Inc. announced Thursday the launch of a new PCI Compliance Solutions service with the validation tools needed to assist retailers in meeting their Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requirements.

The PCI Compliance Solutions service, which is available for sale through the company’s direct and indirect sales channels, is made possible through a partnership with ANXeBusiness Corp. (ANX), a provider of compliance solutions.

The new service features Approved Scan Vendor (ASV) vulnerability scans, a security policy, Web-based training, self-assessment, access to an online knowledge base and breach expense protection. To streamline compliance verification, PCI Compliance Solutions include a security policy that fulfills the PCI DSS requirements, and an online self-assessment questionnaire wizard.

PCI Compliance Solutions also offer reimbursement of up to $100,000 per merchant location for certain breach related expenses, with a combined per occurrence and aggregate yearly limit of $500,000. The breach funds are intended to cover the costs of the required forensic audit, replacement of affected credit cards, resulting fines from PCI Security Standards Council members and telephone consulting support. The breach protection offered through EarthLink is provided to the customer by ANXeBusiness Corp.

“Our retail customers have made it clear that they want a partner willing to address overall business issues versus a traditional carrier that simply provides a connection to a store. With a portfolio of secure services that includes the new PCI Compliance Solutions as well as nationwide MPLS WAN services, EarthLink makes it easier for retailers to achieve PCI DSS compliance,” said Greg Griffiths, vice president of retail solutions for EarthLink.

EarthLink claims thousands of retail customers, including marquee names such as GNC, HoneyBaked Ham, Genesco and The Sleep Train. Its services for retailers include secure, managed IP networks, nationwide private MPLS networks, integrated voice and data, and Direct Connect, which offers fast, secure direct connection to leading payment processors.

EarthLink’s indirect sales channel can sell the service to their customers, earning standard commissions as specified in their agent agreements. No specialized trading is required, but EarthLink is recommending partners attend its free training seminars, including an upcoming Webinar slated for June 11.