Mastercard to issues ‘quantum resistant’ contactless cards
Mastercard has been working with global standards body EMVCo to embed quantum-resistant Enhanced Contactless specifications into current card programmes, amid fears over the prospect of bad actors harnessing quantum computing to break the encryption that protects key systems.
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Mastercard has approved the first cards for issuers that are compatible with the new EMVCo contactless specifications designed to protect against attacks from both traditional and quantum computers.
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Experts have been warning for years about the potential for quantum computing to render today’s security protocols obsolete.Mastercard has been working with global standards body EMVCo to embed quantum-resistant Enhanced Contactless specifications into current card programmes, amid fears over the prospect of bad actors harnessing quantum computing to break the encryption that protects key systems.
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Ajay Bhalla, president, cyber & intelligence at Mastercard, says: “By bringing quantum-era technology to contactless payments, we are taking steps to future-proof security and privacy protection as much as possible. These new cards will deliver that greater peace of mind, while also providing consumers and merchants a seamless transition from today’s contactless experience.”
The new cards are designed to remain compatible with existing acceptance, network and issuer infrastructure and are available from Giesecke+Devrient and Thales.
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