Differences between a magnetic stripe and an EMV chip

[Cloned Boy]

1. Data type​

Criterion	Magnetic stripe	EMV chip
Data	Static (PAN, expiration date, CVV).	Dynamic (ARQC, ATC, cryptograms).
Changeability	They do not change (except for Track 2 CVV in some cards).	Data is updated with each transaction (ATC++, ARQC).
Example	%B1234567890123456^DOE/JOHN^2512?;1234567890123456=25120000000000000?	ARQC: A1B2C3D4E5F6... (unique for each payment).

2. Authentication​

• Magstripe:
  • Checks only CVV/CVC (static code on strip).
  • There is no protection against cloning - if the data is copied, the card works.
• EMV:
  • Requires dynamic ARQC (depends on amount, time, Unpredictable Number).
  • Checks ICC Private Key (cannot be copied without chip cracking).

Why is a magnetic strip easier to clone?​

1. Static data​

• The magnetic stripe contains fixed data that does not change between transactions.
• It is enough to copy Track 1/Track 2 - and the clone will work everywhere where there is no EMV.

2. Lack of cryptography​

• No dynamic codes:
  • Magstripe only uses CVV (3 digit code) which can be guessed or copied.
• EMV requires ARQC, which depends on:
  • ATC (transaction counter),
  • Unpredictable Number (from the terminal),
  • Private key (in the chip).

3. Vulnerability to skimming​

• Magstripe:
  • Data can be stolen through:
    • Skimmers on ATMs,
    • Infected POS terminals.
  • The clone works until the card is blocked.
• EMV chip:
  • Even if the data is stolen, without the ICC Private Key the clone will not generate a valid ARQC.

4. Fallback attacks​

• If the terminal supports fallback to the magnetic stripe (for example, if the chip is damaged), the cloned magstripe may work.
• The EU and the US are gradually disabling fallback to combat fraud.

Example of attack​

1. Skimming: The attacker installs a skimmer on the ATM and copies Track 2.
2. Blank recording: Data is written to a magnetic stripe card.
3. Usage:
   • Success: If the terminal accepts magstripe (e.g. in non-EMV countries).
   • Failure: If a chip is required (clone will not generate ARQC).

Protection from cloning​

Technology	Magnetic stripe	EMV chip
Dynamic data	No	Да (ARQC, ATC)
Cryptography	No	Yes (RSA, 3DES)
The complexity of cloning	Easy (scanner + recording)	Almost impossible (without chip hacking)

Conclusion​

• Magstripe is vulnerable due to the static nature of the data and the lack of cryptography.
• EMV is secured through dynamic authentication and private keys.
• Modern systems (for example, Visa No-Clone ) are gradually abandoning magnetic stripes.

For research: Study ISO/IEC 7816 (chips) and ISO/IEC 7811 (magnetic stripes).

Want to understand specific skimming methods or defense mechanisms (for example, ARQC generation in detail)?