VikingCloud has partnered with Fiserv to deliver the Mastercard-designed Compliance and Validation Exemption Program (C-VEP), launching in Q3 2025 to bolster cybersecurity for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This collaboration aims to provide a proactive, comprehensive solution to address the evolving cyber threats targeting SMBs.
VikingCloud and Fiserv collaborate on Mastercard’s C-VEP for SMBs.
C-VEP launches in Q3 2025, offering advanced cybersecurity solutions.
Focuses on protecting SMBs from ransomware, malware, and fraud.
VikingCloud is the sole Mastercard Preferred C-VEP Provider.
Supports over 4 million merchants globally with PCI compliance.
Addresses critical cybersecurity gaps, as only 29% of SMBs feel secure.
SMBs are prime targets for cybercriminals due to their limited resources and unpreparedness, with only 29% rating their cyber defenses as mature. The C-VEP initiative, developed by Mastercard and powered by VikingCloud and Fiserv, shifts from traditional card data protection to dynamic cybersecurity defense. This program safeguards SMB operations, reputation, and revenue by addressing threats like ransomware, malware, credential theft, and fraud.
The Compliance and Validation Exemption Program (C-VEP) is a groundbreaking alternative to mandatory PCI DSS compliance, designed specifically for SMBs. As Mark Brady, Chief Executive Officer at VikingCloud, stated, “C-VEP powers the next generation of merchant protection, designed for today's transformed payment and online risk landscape. This collaboration is the first step in bringing C-VEP to merchants, expanding protections from static customer card data to dynamic cybersecurity defense, safeguarding a business’ operations, reputation, and revenue.” By leveraging Mastercard’s RiskRecon platform, VikingCloud ensures robust third-party risk management and threat protection.
VikingCloud’s multi-year agreement with Fiserv builds on their shared commitment to delivering comprehensive cybersecurity solutions. As the sole Mastercard Preferred C-VEP Provider, VikingCloud manages cybersecurity and PCI compliance for over 4 million merchants across 70+ countries. This partnership equips SMBs with accessible, cost-effective tools to combat sophisticated cyber threats without requiring extensive internal technical expertise.
Recent Mastercard research highlights the urgency of enhanced cybersecurity, with one in five SMBs facing closure after a successful cyberattack. The C-VEP program empowers merchants with predictive intelligence and integrated solutions, enabling faster, more effective risk mitigation. This initiative positions VikingCloud and Fiserv as leaders in transforming SMB cybersecurity, ensuring resilience in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The collaboration between VikingCloud, Fiserv, and Mastercard through C-VEP marks a pivotal step in safeguarding SMBs. By offering a scalable, innovative cybersecurity framework, this program empowers merchants to focus on growth while staying protected against modern threats.
VikingCloud is the leading cybersecurity and PCI compliance company, offering businesses a single, integrated solution to make informed, predictive, and cost-effective risk mitigation decisions – faster. VikingCloud is the one-stop partner trusted by 4+ million businesses in 70+ countries to provide the predictive intelligence and competitive edge they need to stay one step ahead of cybersecurity and compliance disruptions to their business.
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