Valero Upgrades Its Payments Network

SAN ANTONIO — Acumera Inc. launched its Processor Connections Service for Valero Energy Corp. dealers and distributors.

The technology offering provides a secure connection, remote visibility, backup connectivity for processing payments, and tools to support payment card industry (PCI) compliance, according to Austin, Texas-based Acumera. 

As part of the package, Valero dealers and distributors also gain access to Acumera’s PCI Tools and External Approved Scanning Vendor Vulnerability Scans, intended to help convenience store operators reduce risk.

“Scanning for external vulnerabilities is a critical step in identifying data security threats and preventing breaches,” said Acumera Chief Security Officer Tabitha Greiner. “By providing these scans as a part of the base package for Valero’s customers, we’re changing the game for a large number of stores that don’t currently have an external scanning resource or are paying a premium for it.”

Acumera CEO Dirk Heinen added that the company is working with several payment processors to develop applications and connectivity solutions that are more secure and affordable than currently available options.

“The convenience store business revolves around the ability to securely and efficiently process customer payments, which is why we are excited to support Valero and committed to providing the most reliable and secure processing options for their customers,” said Heinen. “We’ve worked closely with Valero to create a cost-effective solution that will help its customers address PCI compliance and, more importantly, enhance security.”

The Processor Connections Service includes Acumera’s Merchant Gateway perimeter security device; the Dual WAN Failover App, which provides high-availability backup connectivity; and a proprietary Valero Processor Connections App that acts as a secure payment gateway, encrypting data from the store and sending it to the payment processor.

Acumera is a provider of Trusted Connections Services for convenience stores, gas stations and petroleum wholesalers.

San Antonio-based Valero Energy Corp. is an international manufacturer and marketer of transportation fuels, other petrochemical products and power. Approximately 7,500 convenience stores carry the Valero, Diamond Shamrock, Shamrock and Beacon brands in the United States and the Caribbean.