ABSTRACT
A data card is a portable card equipped with magnetic, radio-wave, microcircuits, or other data storage or transmission capabilities. Data cards are wallet-sized cards that carry information in coded format in addition to what is visually apparent. Data cards are sometimes promoted as an alternative to password-entry systems and they are commonly used to make financial transactions. Common data cards include debit/credit cards, retail store membership cards, building access cards, and ID cards. Magnetic stripes are familiar on credit cards, but they are also included on some driver’s licenses and may be swiped through card-reading machines at liquor stores, supermarkets, and department stores for proof of age or in conjunction with credit cards for proof of ID. The security of the system was also questioned when a “hack” to get into the cards was posted on the Internet.
