Leader: Ready or not, here comes chip and PIN

Chip and PIN has received a fair share of controversy.

There has been much debate over the security of providing a PIN versus a signature as a form of identification when making purchases with a credit or debit card.

Many have questioned whether it will be effective in cutting down on credit card fraud, which is the intended aim of the programme.

There has also been criticism of why it's being done - is it really to cut down on fraud or just a way for banks to put the liability solely onto merchants and consumers?

Though interesting points all, in the UK, this sort of discussion is now largely beside the point.

The decision has been made to adopt the technology and the deadline for implementation in shops and restaurants is less than five months away.

The discussion must move forward. Despite any inherent risks that some might believe the system holds, we must now hold forth on how to make it work as best it can.

To this end, consultants are calling for better education of consumers by banks and retailers, and the UK's Chip and PIN organisation has undertaken a campaign to help people memorise PINs, including publishing a guide with tips on its website.

Whether we like it or not, this is going to happen. It is already happening - many people have already received their chip-and-PIN cards and many shops are set up with the technology.

Expect to hear a lot about chip and PIN this autumn and, if you live in the UK, get ready to use it.