Kuwait: Reflecting its unwavering commitment to the best global practices and security standards, Zain announces the successful renewal of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) certification, Version 3.2.1. The accreditation attests Zain’s compliance with the best information security standards and payment card requirements to protect customers’ data and ensure the most secure experience.

The certification was presented to Zain Kuwait Acting Chief Executive Officer Nawaf Algharabally by Suresh Dadlani, President of ControlCase, and Karolien Holsters, Director of Business Development, ControlCase. In attendance were Zain Kuwait’s Enterprise Risk Management team.

In 2010, Zain became the first telecom operator in the MENA region to gain this recognition from the PCI Security Standards Council, the global forum that brings together payments industry stakeholders like financial institutions, banks, and regulatory bodies to develop and drive adoption of data security standards and resources for safe payments. Today, Zain’s renewal of this certification demonstrates its ongoing efforts to bring the safest payment experiences to its corporate and consumer customers, who make up the nation’s largest customer base.

The certification was successfully renewed after a thorough audit process was conducted by ControlCase, an independent body that evaluates and assesses systems and processes to monitor compliance with PCI requirements and standards. The company assesses several aspects like protection against hacks, identifying vulnerabilities, and reviewing policies and procedures related to payments.

Zain was certified after the company’s systems were found to be fully compliant with all PCI DSS requirements and standards. Throughout the years, Zain continues to introduce strict security procedures and implement core-level changes to its systems to assure the highest levels of security when customers complete payment transactions on the company’s various channels, including the website, smartphone app, and the biggest network of branches in Kuwait.

Recently, Zain also announced the successful renewal of six ISO certifications, attesting to the company’s adherence to the highest standards and its compliance with the best global practices, reinforcing its leadership position in the Kuwaiti market.

Zain successfully renewed the following ISO certifications: Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2015), Environmental Management System (ISO 14001:2015), Information Security Management System (ISO/IEC 27001:2022), Business Continuity (ISO 22301:2012), IT Service Management (ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018), and Occupational Health and Safety Management (ISO 45001:2018).

Zain is proud to be one of the Kuwaiti private sector’s first companies to prioritize quality management and operational excellence, including obtaining ISO certifications throughout the past three decades to ensure its commitment to international standards.

In the beginning of its journey, Zain Kuwait obtained its first ISO certification for its Quality Management System (QMS), marking the company’s pledge to maintaining high-quality standards. Over time, and as Zain expanded its services and operations, it continued to be certified across various other areas such as information security, business continuity, environmental management, and more.