Questions & Answers

Follow-up Steps
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Who uses BCSS?
Banks, third-party bank card processors, personalization bureaus, retail chains and card manufacturers use BCSS technology, including the leaders in the bank card industry. See a complete list of customers (PDF). Read the success story: "BCSS Software Means Easy Money" (PDF).

Why is BCSS better than writing your own software?

• BCSS supports both software and hardware (HSM) cryptography.
• BCSS makes the conversion from software cryptography to HSM easy.
• BCSS is available for Windows, Linux, HP9000, Sun, and all IBM computers.
• BCSS supports EMV 2000 and contactless cards as well as mag-stripe cards.
• BCSS supports thousands of cryptographic keys to process more and more customers.
• BCSS custom utilities make common tasks such a generating CVV's and PIN's very easy.
• BCSS provides complete professional documentation.
• BCSS helps you meet reporting and auditing requirements.
• BCSS comes with experienced tech support.
• BCSS helps to protect you from turnover in your own personnel.
• BCSS has already been debugged by your competitors.

How long has Prime Factors been in business?
Prime Factors has been in business since 1981.

Does Prime Factors sell the Thales HSM 8000?
Yes, Prime Factors sells the HSM 8000. We can also find a reseller outside the USA.

How is user access to BCSS controlled?
BCSS has an authenticated log that records changes to user IDs and user privileges to discourage unauthorized tampering.

How does BCSS control the accurate entry of cryptographic keys?
BCSS forces multi-user key component entry, rejects weak keys, and adjusts keys to odd parity.

How does BCSS help programmers identify and correct errors?

• BCSS delivers specific on-line error user-friendly messages that guide the user to fix the error.
• BCSS provides subroutine return codes with full text descriptions that make it easy for the user to stay on track.

Does BCSS maintain an audit log?
Yes, an audit log of all changes to the BCSS database shows who changed what, and when they did it.

What types of data are stored in the BCSS database?
The secure BCSS database includes encrypted keys, PIN options, PIN block formats, PVV options, CVV options and smart card parameters.

Does BCSS provide the ability to migrate from software to HSM-based hardware encryption?
Yes, detailed instructions are included in the BCSS Configuration Guide.

What types of cryptography are supported by BCSS?
BCSS supports 3DES keys and RSA public/private keys as used to support EMV2000 for chip cards and mag-stripe cards.

Can BCSS output to Datacard Machines?
Yes, the BCSS Card Utility feature can map card codes or clear PINs to a file that can be imported into an external device such as Datacard.

Does BCSS meet Visa and MasterCard security requirements?
The combination of BCSS and the Thales HSM 8000 device should meet Visa and MasterCard security requirements - call us if you need help with an audit.

Does BCSS support the EMV2000 standard?
Yes. BCSS supports the EMV2000 standard for smart (chip) card issuance including a built-in interface to external key distribution facilities and support for ARQC and ARPC.

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