Companies move to protect consumer data

#80 Companies responsible for handling consumer financial data are moving quickly to repair the weak links in their information-security infrastructure in the wake of high-profile losses and thefts of customer information (see previous blog entries here and here and here.)

Transaction Network Services Inc., which provides network services to payment processors, this week revealed that it's encrypting personal-account and credit-card information sent across its Synapse system, which provides payment services for merchants that use wireless devices, including taxi and limousine companies, towing services, arts and crafts shows, and mobile concession and souvenir stands.

No doubt, government legislators that have sprung into action to protect consumer identity information will further drive adoption of additional safeguards (see previous blog entries here and here).