SecureConnect® to Provide Internet Security and PCI Compliance Solutions for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

Eden Prairie, MN, June 27, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) are facing a major challenge: achieve PCI (Payment Card Industry) Compliance to protect credit card transactions or face hefty fines for not meeting the guidelines. Financial regulators, banks and other acquirers that handle the growing flood of credit card transactions are imposing this regulation nationwide and pressuring operators to invest time and money to become compliant. SecureConnect®, an Internet security and connectivity service specifically designed for QSR and retail markets, is the comprehensive, turn-key solution to ensure that owner/operators are doing what is necessary to become PCI DSS compliant.

One prime example of a major QSR franchise dealing with this issue is Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. With over 1,900 units spread through the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and 25 foreign countries, the company found itself facing a compliance deadline from their acquirer. Understanding the importance of PCI Compliance and information security, Popeyes has been working with their franchisees to educate and ensure PCI compliance throughout the brand. Because PCI guidelines are constantly evolving, Popeyes needed to find a comprehensive solution to not only accommodate the corporate restaurants, but would have the flexibility to provide a solution to their franchisees. SecureConnect® was able to acquire Popeyes as a customer because of its unique ability to provide enhanced services such as firewall security, 24x7x365 monitoring and support, Virtual Private Network infrastructure, network segmentation, anti-virus, and logging and reporting services. Further, as an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) BHI Advanced Internet, the provider of SecureConnect®, can provide the required PCI certified vulnerability scans and remediation support all as a single-source provider. Simplifying the process, bringing multiple services together through a single vendor is invaluable to the entire franchisee community and allows for easier rollout and integration in their stores. “PCI compliance is about enhancing network security and protecting cardholder data through security best practices,” said Tim Davis, Chief Information Officer for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. “Our most valuable asset is our customers and protecting their cardholder information is a top priority.”

SecureConnect® delivered Popeyes a turnkey solution that was customized to their operating needs. The easyPCI packages do not require any up front investment in hardware or software and provide customized services for Popeyes with a low cost monthly subscription. Davis added, “BHI’s SecureConnect® team understood our needs and provided us with the best and most comprehensive package at a very cost effective price.”

In 2007 the FBI reported that 10 million Americans lost a total of $52.6 billion through credit card fraud. In the QSR segment, fraud can put 25% to 60% of all transactions at risk. What’s more, as hackers and identity theft rings become more sophisticated, stricter security measures will be necessary. SecureConnect® is active with the PCI Security Standards Council in order to update QSR’s systems to stay ahead of new policy requirements.

For more information about PCI compliance standards, how to protect your QSR operations or details about SecureConnect® visit: http://www.secureconnect.com.

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