(July 26, 2006) SAN ANTONIO – Clarke American is taking proactive steps to reinforce its position as an industry leader in information security and fraud prevention and recently hired Patrick A. Patterson as its new Vice President of Security. Patterson joins Clarke American with thirty-six years of experience in security and law enforcement and most recently served as a special agent in charge with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) San Antonio Field Office.

In his new role with Clarke American, Patterson will oversee all physical and technological security programs for the company and will work hand-in-hand with the company’s dedicated Security Team to develop and implement proactive, innovative security practices that will offer even greater protection to Clarke American’s financial institution partners and their customers.

Clarke American’s President and CEO, Chuck Dawson, sees the company’s edge in security services as a major component of its marketplace advantage. “In hiring Mr. Patterson, we are continuing to invest in our security program and related practices as well as in the continued assurance of our customers’ privacy,” said Dawson. “Maintaining strong relationships with law enforcement and government authorities is an essential part of staying ahead of the curve in information security. With Patrick leading the team, we are sure to stay at the forefront of the industry,” he added.

Although significant, the addition of Patterson is only one example of Clarke American’s commitment to strengthening and maintaining its security programs in order to better serve and advise its partners. Clarke American also has engaged a third party partner, Cybertrust Corporation (formerly TruSecure Corporation), to test and certify its security measures. Because of the company’s state-of-the-art physical and electronic security, well-tested policies and procedures and thorough employee training, Clarke American has maintained its “safe site” certification with the Cybertrust Corporation since 2002.

Additionally, the company has completed a number of widely recognized external audits, including a Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) 70 audit, Bank Administration Institute (BAI) audits, and is preparing to complete a Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) 404 audit this year. These assessments are widely recognized and ensure that companies have appropriate controls and safeguards in place for the secure hosting and processing of customer information.

In all of its efforts, Clarke American uses a “defense in-depth” strategy and layered security model to ensure the protection of its partners’ information and that of their customers. By anticipating trends in the industry and taking proactive steps to disarm security threats, Clarke American’s Security Team ensures that it delivers the highest quality service to its partners and their customers.

“When it comes to safeguarding data, ensuring privacy and keeping a pulse on the cyberworld, there is a tangible difference between Clarke American and other companies,” said Patterson, Clarke American’s new Vice President of Security. “The level of excellence here is evident, both to our partners and to outside entities because quality is built into the security process,” he concluded.

About Clarke American
Clarke American is a leading provider of checks and check-related products, contact center services, e-Commerce and direct response marketing solutions to financial services companies throughout the U.S. The company was also the 2001 recipient of the U.S. Department of Commerce Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in the manufacturing category. For more information, visit www.clarkeamerican.com.

For information about this press release contact:
Melissa Baird
Clarke American
(210) 694-1012

Kate Stouffer
KGBTexas Public Relations
(210) 826-8899
kates@kgbtexas.com