News

MasterCard deadline for wireless, IP security garners little attention

August 1, 2006

Digital Transactions: A major deadline set by MasterCard Worldwide to enhance the security of transactions originating at wireless and Internet Protocol point-of-sale terminals is approaching, but some experts say many firms that could be affected aren't paying attention. On Sept. 1, Purchase, N.Y.-based MasterCard will require that newly-installed and replacement wireless and IP terminals support encryption between the terminal and the merchant acquirer's host system using MasterCard-approved standards. Another big deadline comes Jan. 3, when MasterCard says all wireless and IP terminals deployed before Sept. 1 must be upgraded to support encryption. MasterCard launched the program last October but the program seems to have attracted little notice.