WALTHAM, Mass. -- VW Credit Inc. will begin using the Watchfire AppScan Web application vulnerability testing tool to lock down Web site security. Watchfire provides software and services to help ensure the security and compliance of Web sites.

"We are dramatically increasing our presence on the Web, making financing more convenient and efficient for VW Credit Inc. customers and dealers alike, and security is a primary thought in every application we deploy," said Terry McCarthy, information risk manager for VW Credit Inc. "Watchfire’s AppScan is invaluable in its ability to not only catch security defects that could present a vulnerability before we go live with new Web applications, but it also audits our live Web sites for new vulnerabilities and compliance reporting."

VW Credit’s Web infrastructure provides financing for Volkswagen, Audi and Bentley vehicles, and contains customer-facing applications — many of which collect personal information such as loan application forms. VW Credit is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Volkswagen of America Inc.

AppScan identifies security vulnerabilities and provides comprehensive remediation tasks to address risks before they can become a security problem. This allows VW Credit to validate Web application quality for new levels of security confidence, while also helping to ensure compliance. In addition, AppScan integrates with VW Credit’s existing security processes and technology, including custom security and regulatory compliance reporting.