MasterCard cryptography

Cryptography Research and MasterCard Worldwide have signed an agreement relating to Cryptography Research's patent portfolio covering countermeasures to Differential Power Analysis (DPA). Under the agreement, MasterCard will require that vendors of smart cards and other cryptographic products that utilize DPA countermeasures be licensed from Cryptography Research in order to be used on MasterCard’s payment networks. MasterCard provides a link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes over 18 billion transactions each year through its family of brands, including MasterCard, Maestro and Cirrus, serving consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. (Christian Delporte, vice president, chip centre of excellence, MasterCard Worldwide.) http://www.mastercard.com.