First Data Corp. has authorized Hypercom Corp. to manage the processor’s remote key-injection processes as an encrypting service organization, according to the companies. Tasq Technology Inc., a Rocklin, Calif.-based point-of-sale-equipment distributor and a subsidiary of Atlanta-based First Data, also will make available Hypercom’s remote key-injection system, known a HyperSafe.
The remote key-injection process is a method often used to add triple digital encryption, known as Triple DES, to payment devices. This service is called “remote key injection” because the encryption software, which acts as a key to unlock a terminal’s capability to work a certain way, can be sent directly to the terminal.
“Through our remote key-ejection environment, we are managing First Data’s keys,” says Stuart Taylor, vice president of global marketing at Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Hypercom. The partnership is “very exciting” because of “First Data’s and Tasq’s places in the marketplace. We think it will take us to the next level in terms of partnership and rolling out” the remote key-injection service.
Under the agreement, Hypercom also will market First Data’s TransArmor product, which uses tokenization and encryption to protect data.
First Data is “encouraging partnerships such as this with each of the POS hardware and software manufacturers to incorporate support for TransArmor,” says Craig Tieken, First Data vice president of merchant product management. “The First Data and Hypercom announcement represents the first of what we hope will become many.”
