Robust "defence-in-depth" model incorporates prevention, detection and speedy & effective response to security incidents

Dubai, May 21, 2013: Network International, one of the leading payment solutions providers in the Middle East, announced today that the recently launched Mercury prepaid payment programme will benefit from its world class information security framework. "Mercury," is the first UAE-focused closed loop prepaid programme, which will facilitate the direct issuance of a wide range of cost-effective and value-added domestic prepaid payment alternatives. The Mercury platform will enable the acceptance of these cards at all Network International POS terminals, and ATM's of participating member banks, across the UAE.

"Data Security is crucial for the success of payment card processing and to generate confidence among customers," said John Margetts, Senior Vice President of Risk, Audit, Compliance and Legal at Network International, outlining the various levels of Network International's security framework. "As a leading card processor across the country and the region, Network International has instituted rigorous and methodical internal controls at various points in the payment value chain, to provide our banking partners the highest level of protection and assurance. Our "defence-in-depth" model is based on international best practices and backed by a robust technological framework that provides multiple layers of security controls."

Hisham Hammoud, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Network International pointed out that the pre-paid cards to be launched via the Mercury platform will benefit from the comprehensive security standards at Network, which include prevention, detection and speedy and effective response to security incidents.

"Early detection is key to minimising losses, as fraudsters will always try to beat the system," said Hammoud. "At Network International, we understand the importance of identifying possible fraud issues well in advance, so as to be able to take appropriate steps to minimise and mitigate the impact. The entire NI infrastructure is under 24/7 surveillance by internal and external security teams and unusual behaviour patterns like increased frequency of withdrawal on the prepaid cards are immediately escalated and investigated."

Internet facing servers containing data undergo penetration tests at regular intervals during which security professionals use ethical hacking techniques to assess any possible weak spots in the security posture. Additionally, the infrastructure is tested and certified quarterly by a security company as being secure against the latest vulnerabilities and threats.

Network International continually educates its staff about the latest cyber-frauds and threats to remind them that security is a shared obligation and responsibility.

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About Network International:
Established in 1994, Network International LLC is the largest acquirer, and one of the leading payment solutions providers in the Middle East, geared to meet the needs of banks, financial institutions and large and individual retailers. It is a Principal Member of Visa International and MasterCard International for the UAE, offering customers the most comprehensive range of payment products and services for both the Issuing and Acquiring segment of the card payment industry. Offerings include credit and debit card processing services, ATM management and monitoring, merchant acquiring plus consumer finance applications. Network International provides consultancy services ranging from planning and designing, to developing of new card and consumer finance products and services.

Network International is the first independent vendor certified by both Visa & MasterCard for card payments in the Middle East. It is the UAE's largest payment acquirer for Credit & Debit Cards and the largest third-party processing vendor offering complete EMV certified solutions as institutions migrate to EMV Smart Card technology.

For further information, please contact:
Sudha Chandran / Ajith Henry
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
Dubai, UAE
Tel: 971-4-4507600
Fax: 971-4-4358040
Email: Sudha.chandran@bm.com / ajith.henry@bm.com

© Press Release 2013