Data Security Solution Aims to Give Retailers Peace of Mind

New offering from nuBridges intended to help companies keep critical customer information safe

New offering from nuBridges intended to help companies keep critical customer information safe

New York — January 25, 2006 — Software and services provider nuBridges has rolled out a new offering designed to ensure the security of customer information in the retail industry.

In the wake of front-page news on data theft at major U.S. companies, in 2005 more than 15 states passed laws requiring that consumers be notified in the event of an information security breach, and the U.S. Congress has four proposed regulatory laws currently under review.

In addition to increased regulation, recent studies have indicated that consumers are taking action as well, ending relationships with companies and initiating legal action in the event that their personal information has been compromised. These pressures are giving retailers new incentive to take proactive steps to protect consumer information.

Identifying Security Gaps

nuBridges said that with its truExchange Data Secure solution, retailers can quickly identify potential security gaps and implement advanced levels of encryption to ensure that all critical personal information, including social security numbers, birth dates, account numbers and addresses are protected.

"The solution is a major step forward in the battle to reduce exposure to security breaches, mitigating the risk of fraud losses, penalties, operational and legal expenses that result from information security incidents," the solution provider said in announcing the new software.

"Putting customer needs first is part of the retail DNA, and today that means demonstrating innovation and commitment to keeping customer information safe from identity thieves," said Wain Kellum, CEO of nuBridges. "With truExchange Data Secure, retailers and their customers can be assured that everything possible is being done to reduce the risk of security breaches."

Feature Lineup

The solution begins with a data security assessment that defines all the locations throughout the enterprise where customer information resides, from the point of sale systems to merchandising and marketing, and establishes the process and technology gaps for securing data. Combining several of nuBridges' technologies, truExchange Data Secure provides protection for securing, encrypting and transporting personal data.

Features of the solution include dynamic, on-the-fly encryption and decryption to limit visibility to applications where they reside; field- and file-level encryption that offer a high level of granularity of protection; federally approved encryption options, 3DES and AES 256, password-based encryption and public key infrastructure (PKI); and a proxy and controller that locks down the firewall but allows retailers to securely transact with partners while securing private keys.

nuBridges said that truExchange Data Secure also provides an audit tool to comply with regulatory audit requirements, for logging and tracking each time secured information is accessed and by whom.


Additional Articles of Interest

— The focus in the retail sector has shifted from managing the movement of goods to managing information about goods. Read more in "Ramping Up the Retail Supply Chain," in the February/March 2005 issue of Supply & Demand Chain Executive.

— Bad packaging, poor handling and substandard shipping and receiving practices account for more than half the returns in the supermarket industry, and the use of folding cartonboard could significantly reduce unsaleables in the industry, one research project has found. Read about the GENCO study of frozen food manufacturers in the SDCExec.com article "Bad Packaging, Poor Handling Seen Driving High Unsaleables."

— To go the distance in business you need to take a disciplined approach. Supply & Demand Chain Executive offers key best practices for making your supply chain hum in the article "7 Habits of Highly Efficient Supply & Demand Chains," the cover story in the April/May 2005 issue of the magazine, featuring an interview with supply chain guru Jim Tompkins of Tompkins Associates.


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