MasterCard, Fraternal Order of Police Hold Security Seminars

Central to the program is a series of Security Seminars, to be held in partnership with the Fraternal Order of Police, in key cities nationwide. Hosted by MasterCard security experts and representatives from the Fraternal Order of Police, the MasterCard Security Seminars are designed to educate local retailers on how to recognize and defend against emerging types of payment card fraud and protect consumer data. The first of the series is scheduled to kickoff on June 8, at 7:00 a.m. at the Westin Galleria in Dallas, Texas. Subsequent events are planned throughout 2006.

"Combining MasterCard's experience with the expertise and perspective of local law enforcement gives merchants a clear view of the data security environment, and practical ways they can help stop payment card fraud," said Patrick Yoes, president of the Fraternal Order of Police. "We're pleased to be part of MasterCard's collaborative effort to enhance cardholder security."

To complement the in-person seminars and ensure that business owners all over the world can access the content at times that are convenient for them, MasterCard is also hosting a multipart, online Webinar series. The one-hour Webinars, which will be presented by MasterCard security experts, will cover a variety of informative security topics, and include live Q&A sessions. The series begins with "Protecting Cardholder Data with the PCI Data Security Standard" on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at 12 p.m. EST. Subsequent Webinars will provide additional information on the PCI Data Security Standard, unique MasterCard security programs such as the Site Data Protection (SDP) program and SecureCode, fraud prevention basics and network vulnerabilities.

Business owners, banks and third-party processors are encouraged to register for the free Security Seminars and Webinars at www.mastercardsecurity.com.

"A key element of our collaborative approach to security leadership involves bringing expertise and education directly to merchants, where and when it's convenient for them," said Chris Thom, Chief Risk Officer, MasterCard International. "These new initiatives provide those on the front lines of the payment process with the latest security information from MasterCard experts and law enforcement, and tools to help them immediately put what they learn into practice."

MasterCard will provide Fraud Prevention Kits to Security Seminar attendees. The kits contain a set of practical tools to help merchants incorporate their learnings into their everyday business, including an interactive CD-ROM guide on accepting cards and securing transaction data, a black light for identifying counterfeit cards, and helpful tips on applying data security knowledge to daily situations.