Clock Running On ATM Triple WitchingHour

PURCHASE, N.Y. - (10/19/04) -- MasterCard International said it hasordered all ATM switch providers to turn off machines not compliantwith the new Triple DES encryption standards next April 1, in orderto ensure protection of sensitive cardholder information during thetransaction process. All credit unions and banks tied into theMasterCard or VISA networks are required to upgrade their ATMs toTriple DES compliance by April 1. Triple DES--for Triple DataEncryption Standard --will replace the Single DES systems currentlyused by ATMs to protect user PIN numbers from fraudulent activity.Credit unions are currently working with ATM servicers to eitherupgrade their hardware or software, while others will be requiredto replace outdated machines altogether.