January 15, 2014 - Following recent cyber-attacks and data leaks on retail giants Target and Neiman Marcus over the festive period, data security and forensics experts Foregenix have announced the launch of their latest data security solution that reduces the root cause of online fraud - Foregenix Security Essentials (FSE).

This integrated solution reduces the risk of attacks on bricks and mortar SMEs of all types; providing all the tools and services needed to protect payments and data security, including a compliance bundle for adherence with the compulsory Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).

Speaking about the solution, Foregenix Director, Andrew Henwood, said: "Any business that accepts payment or handles customer data in whatever guise has an obligation to ensure they are doing so in the most secure and risk-free way possible for their customers."

FSE integrates easily into the customer's existing business IT infrastructure and offers the optimal protective layered approach through its Security Information and Event Monitoring (SIEM) and File Integrity Management (FIM) and offers a number of connectivity options such as ADSL or MPLS / VPN (IPSEC) through partners.

The solution also includes the Foregenix Serengeti Analyser, an industry unique service for malware detection, mitigation and security validation at the Point of Sale (POS), as well as the Foregenix industry leading cardholder data discovery product, FScout that identifies and confirms where sensitive cardholder data is being stored.

The system is bound together with a holistic PCI DSS compliance service that dramatically reduces the scope and extent of the PCI requirements businesses have to meet. These include portal services for PCI DSS self-validation and external ASV scanning.

Foregenix Security Essentials will provide tangible risk reduction through effective and holistic information security best practice.

Andrew further commented: "With recent cyber-attacks and data breaches having devastating effects on retailers globally, businesses need a cost-effective solution to mitigate the threat, without breaking the proverbial bank.

"Retailers of any size need a simple and cohesive solution, allowing them to focus on what they do best. FSE is exactly that solution and has been optimised for today's real-world issues."

Additionally, becoming PCI DSS compliant is a necessity for all businesses taking card payments. PCI DSS is mandated by the major card schemes (e.g. VISA, MasterCard, American Express, etc.) and is designed to secure the payments landscape.

If merchants don't comply, they are at risk of non-compliance fines and if suspected of being compromised, forensic investigation costs and compromise penalties. On top of this, for a merchant that has recently fallen victim to compromise, the merchant is immediately escalated to merchant level one status, as per card scheme rules and will be required to comply fully with the PCI DSS, undergoing the relevant assessment processes, to reduce the immediate risk.

FSE provides a pain-free experience in facilitating compliance and reducing real-world risk, allowing the merchant to focus on their core business.