Magnetic Stripe Card
Introduction
A magnetic stripe card is a type of card that stores data by modifying the magnetism of tiny iron-based magnetic particles on a band of magnetic material on the card. These cards are commonly used in credit cards, identity cards, and transportation tickets. The magnetic stripe, sometimes called a magstripe, is read by swiping past a magnetic reading head. Magnetic stripe cards are a type of smart card, which are used in a wide variety of applications, including access control, financial transactions, and personal identification.
History
The development of magnetic stripe technology began in the early 1960s. The concept was pioneered by IBM, with Forrest Parry, an IBM engineer, credited with the invention of the magnetic stripe card. The initial application was for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to create secure identification cards. By the late 1960s, the technology was adopted by the banking industry, leading to the introduction of credit cards with magnetic stripes. The ISO standards for magnetic stripe cards were established in the 1970s, facilitating global interoperability.
Technical Specifications
Magnetic stripe cards are defined by several ISO/IEC standards, which specify the physical characteristics, recording techniques, and data structures. The magnetic stripe is divided into three tracks, each capable of storing different types of information:
- **Track 1**: Contains the cardholder's name, account number, and other discretionary data. It uses a 7-bit character set.
- **Track 2**: Stores the account number and additional data, using a 5-bit numeric character set.
- **Track 3**: Typically used for financial transactions, it can store up to 107 numeric digits.
The magnetic stripe is composed of a thin layer of magnetic material, typically a ferromagnetic oxide or metal, bonded to a plastic card. The data is encoded by varying the magnetization of the particles, which can be read by a magnetic stripe reader.
Applications
Magnetic stripe cards are used in a variety of applications, including:
- **Banking**: Credit and debit cards use magnetic stripes to store account information, enabling electronic transactions at ATMs and point-of-sale terminals.
- **Access Control**: Many organizations use magnetic stripe cards for secure access to buildings and facilities. The cards can be programmed with access permissions and tracked for security purposes.
- **Public Transportation**: Magnetic stripe cards are used in transit systems for fare collection, allowing passengers to swipe their cards to pay for rides.
- **Loyalty Programs**: Retailers use magnetic stripe cards for customer loyalty programs, storing points and rewards information on the card.
Security Considerations
While magnetic stripe cards offer convenience, they are susceptible to several security vulnerabilities. The data on the stripe can be easily read and copied using a skimming device, leading to identity theft and credit card fraud. To mitigate these risks, many institutions have transitioned to EMV chip cards, which offer enhanced security features.
Future Developments
The use of magnetic stripe cards is declining as more secure technologies, such as contactless payment systems and biometric authentication, gain popularity. However, magnetic stripe cards remain in use due to their low cost and widespread infrastructure. Future developments may focus on integrating magnetic stripe technology with other forms of authentication to enhance security.