Q How do I know if my Web browser has 128-bit encryption?
A Simply open your Web browser, go to the Help Menu and to About Your Web Browser. From here, you can see the encryption information.
Q Is the Internet method/HTTPS secure?
A Yes, the Internet method of transmitting data has Secure Socket Layering in the pipeline, working behind the scenes.
Q Where do I obtain the PGP® (Pretty Good Privacy®) or dynamic encryption software required to transmit FTP?
A Please consult with your technical team to determine how to obtain PGP or the dynamic encryption software of your choice.
Q Where do I obtain the Connect:® Direct software?
A This software is provided through Sterling Commerce®. For more information, please visit http://www.sterlingcommerce.com.
Q What are the differences between Internet (HTTP), FTP w/ PGP® and FTPS?
A HTTPS is a secured Internet solution. This method requires a Web browser capable of 128-bit encryption. It only requires access to the Internet and there is no other cost to the customer. FTP w/ PGP (File Transfer Protocol with Pretty Good Privacy®) is an automated method that uses an existing Internet connection for the file transfer, but it requires the use of PGP software to encrypt the data being transferred. This method requires the customer to purchase software. FTPS (File Transfer Protocol with Secure Socket Layering) is an automated method that uses an existing Internet connection for the file transfer and dynamically encrypts the file during transmission. For this method, customers must also purchase software.
Q I currently send data electronically to other bureaus using software other than Sterling Commerce®. Can I use this software to communicate with TransUnion electronically?
A It depends on the transmission method. TransUnion accepts only Sterling Software products for mainframe-to-mainframe transmissions because it offers fast access to information and high levels of security for credit-reporting data. No local software is required for Internet transmissions. FTP transmissions can use encryption software outside the Sterling Commerce family of products.
Q How long does it take to convert a customer to EDT?
A It depends on the transmission method and the customer's ability to successfully transmit production-ready files. Estimated EDT setup turn times are:
Q Do you have a minimum or maximum threshold (amount of time/number of records) for accepting data by EDT?
A Per our reporting standards, we require customers to pass, at a minimum, 100 data records. For the HTTPS solution, the file size limit is approximately 500MB. For the FTP w/ PGP® and FTPS solutions, the file size limit is about 2GB.
Q I already have Sterling Commerce® software for use with another bureau or a TransUnion business unit. Do I need a new copy for this application?
A No. If you have the most recent version of the software, you should be able to establish a connection. You will still need a user ID and password, assigned by TransUnion, which allows access to our system through your existing software.
Q What is the TransUnion Web site for electronic transmission?
A https://www.tuedt.com
Q Are the timeframes listed for conversion to EDT from first contact?
A The timeframes listed are from the date the first test file has been sent.
Security Benefits:
Financial Benefits:
Reporting Benefits:
Processing Benefits:
Q How many customers currently use EDT for reporting credit bureau information? How many files do they transmit? How often do they transmit?
A Currently, approximately 71% of our customers use EDT to report to TransUnion, which accounts for about 86% of transactions processed in Transform. We currently accept files ranging from the corporate minimum to several million records. Frequency of transmission ranges from daily to monthly and is based on customer preference.
Q Can I send a variable block file when transmitting electronically?
A When transmitting via the Internet, you can transmit variable block files only when each record in the file is at least the minimum length of the Metro format specified (i.e., each record in the 426 Metro format must be at least 426 bytes in length). Also, the RDW of each record must reflect the true record length. Our preferred data format is fixed block.
Q Is there an audit process in place for EDT?
A EDT transmissions follow the same process flow as physical media. EDT is logged daily, tracked and monitored just like physical media.
Q Will EDT updates provide a faster update to CRONUS?
A EDT does not provide a faster update to CRONUS. EDT absorbs the time it takes to handle and deliver media.
Q Will data be reviewed before it is uploaded to the database?
A The contents of all EDT transmissions go through the same verification process as physical media. The data is run against the Transform submission format that is programmed for that particular customer. During testing, if the submission format is in production, a stop is placed on it to prevent data from being loaded to the database.
