Epsilon Unveils Innovative Security Enhancements to Global Email Marketing Platform

DALLAS, June 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Epsilon, a wholly owned subsidiary of Alliance Data, announced new security enhancements to create a more secure global email marketing platform, including a close collaboration with Verizon to deploy a number of new leading-edge data security measures.

Epsilon's new security features, along with innovative technologies from Verizon, provide enhanced protection for its information technology (IT) infrastructure. Combining intelligence from Verizon's expansive global-IP network, their insight into Internet traffic, one of the largest databases of breach statistics and frontline experience against the world's most sophisticated hackers, the new, custom cloud-based service provides a significant improvement over conventional methods of breach detection.

Leveraging Verizon's ability to track malicious IP addresses every day, Epsilon is able to identify and mitigate "electronic crimes in motion" in a way that has not been possible until now. Epsilon is the first and only marketing service provider in the industry to join forces with Verizon, a recognized leader in managed security services and intrusion detection. (See Verizon's related announcement)

In addition, Epsilon has instituted stringent new access restrictions through its IP certification requirements. All access to the email platform, both inbound and outbound, will be restricted to white-listed IP addresses. Further, Epsilon has enhanced user security by implementing two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication is a security process that requires two means of identification to gain system access, adding significant additional protections beyond conventional strong password requirements. Two-factor authentication, currently in place for employees, will be extended to all clients in Q3 2011.

Finally, Epsilon is presently working with top Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to safeguard consumers by building an unprecedented anti-phishing solution. Epsilon's anti-phishing efforts include developing an open, rapid communication channel between marketers and ISPs, methods to easily differentiate legitimate communications from fraudulent ones, and, finally, a way to monitor brand abuse across email domains. This solution, currently in development, is anticipated for presentation and release to clients in Q4 2011.

"We recognize that established industry standards are simply not enough in this day and age.  Epsilon has always taken security seriously and consistently surpassed industry standards and requirements. This commitment continues at Epsilon where we have already made significant progress to bolster security measures and remains focused on creating a more secure environment using the most sophisticated resources available in order to protect our clients and their customers from cyber attacks," said Bryan Kennedy, president and CEO of Epsilon. "Working with Verizon gives Epsilon access to the best security tools, technologies and expertise in the world to combat cybercrime in near real time."

"We are excited to bring our expertise and knowledge base to Epsilon to improve the way they protect their IT infrastructure. This solution allows them to detect and mitigate crimes as they are happening, so that hackers can be stopped in their tracks," said Peter Tippett, vice president of security and industry solutions for Verizon. "As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, so must cyber security and data protection."

Epsilon's Email Institute, a best practices destination for email marketers, will host a Global ISP and Policy Forum in San Francisco on October 20th to facilitate an ongoing dialogue among email industry innovators, share knowledge and create a new standard in email marketing security.

About Epsilon

Epsilon is the industry's leading marketing services firm, with a broad array of data-driven, multichannel marketing solutions that leverage consumer insight to help brands deepen their relationships with customers. Services include strategic consulting, acquisition and customer database technologies, loyalty management, proprietary data, predictive modeling and a full range of direct and digital agency services, including creative, interactive web design, email deployment, search engine optimization and direct mail production. In addition, Epsilon is the world's largest permission-based email marketer. Epsilon is an Alliance Data company. For more information, visit www.epsilon.com or call 1.800.309.0505.

SOURCE Epsilon