SHARE Payments company MasterCard has begun to apply the latest quantum-resistant technology to protect contactless payments from cyber threats linked to quantum computing. Experts worry that the quantum computers, a new type of technology, could compromise the encryption present in payment channels and cards used online. Quantum-resistant technology is designed to defend businesses and confidential user data from such attacks. Although current quantum computers are limited in their capabilities and cannot be used for such breaches, things could be different in future. Called Enhanced Contactless, or Ecos, MasterCard said the new technology is an “industry first”. “2020 brought with it a rapid acceleration of digitisation and reinforced the importance of digital solutions such as contactless to help meet our everyday needs,” said Ajay Bhalla, president of cyber security and intelligence at Mastercard.