New way for the online buying

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 23:03:00 GMT

Computer users should be able to pay for items online simply by tapping their credit card against their computer and entering a password, as a result of a partnership between Mastercard and Intel.

Mastercard country manager Albert Naffah said the partnership was a long-term one that could eventually turn most computers into secure payment terminals that provided the same security that shoppers would expect when using an eftpos terminal in a shop.

Under the arrangement, Intel, which supplies components for about 80 per cent of personal computers, will incorporate contactless chip card readers into computer motherboards along with two-factor security software.

The technology would mean there would be no need for Mastercard customers to type in their credit card details when making a purchase, reducing the risk that cards might be compromised by malware that recorded customers' keystrokes.

Naffah said its arrangement with Intel was exclusive at the moment. The technology will initially be included in ultrabooks – expensive notebook computers that use solid state storage – but would probably later feature in all Intel-based computers. He defended Mastercard's decision to do an "exclusive" deal with Intel, rather than find a joint approach to improving security alongside rivals such as Visa.

Visa said it was focused on delivering solutions that let customers shop easily and securely in "any and every channel" available to them Globalmediapro

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New way for the online buying