MasterCard is bringing MasterPass contactless payments to consumers home computers.
MasterCard worked with Intel and Netherlands-based NXP Semiconductors to establish a digital service that allows consumers to initiate online transactions by tapping their MasterPass card or Near Field Communication-enabled smartphone against a built-in NFC reader.
NXP says it has integrated PN544PC, a version of its most widely adopted NFC radio controller, into new computing devices using Intels fourth-generation Core platform with identity protection technology.
Intels identity protection provides consumer authentication to accept and complete the transaction.
In announcing the new service, the companies noted that e-commerce would continue to grow, particularly with purchases made on smartphones or tablets. Use of the NXPs reader and Intels security software is supported with additional security safeguards MasterPass has in place for online purchases, the companies say.
"Intel provides a powerful authentication component for strong two-factor authentication for the online shopping experience, and is widely regarded by security experts as a more secure approach than software-only authentication and more convenient than hardware tokens," says Praveen Vishakantaiah, vice president and general manager of client solutions and technologies for the Intel PC Client Group.
With the new service, consumers "can rest assured their shopping websites know its really them," Vishakantaiah states in a press release.
"This is truly the next wave in NFC-enabled user experience," says Rutger Vrijen, NXPs vice president and general manager of radio frequency identification tagging and infrastructure business.
"Combining our deep understanding of NFC with our global leadership in secure banking solutions helps deliver exactly what consumers are asking for - a secure and easy way to shop online," Vrijen states in the press release.
