Magnestrippe

Magnestrippe is a term sometimes used colloquially to describe a magnetic stripe, also known as a magstripe, that is found on the back of many plastic cards, such as credit cards, debit cards, and gift cards. This stripe is composed of magnetic particles embedded in a plastic or adhesive coating. The stripe can be "read" by a magnetic stripe reader, which detects the magnetic polarization of the particles. This data can store information, such as account numbers and personal details, that is used for transactions.

The information stored on a magstripe is encoded in a specific format, typically using binary code. There are different standards for encoding magstripe data, with ISO/IEC 7811 being a widely adopted international standard. This standard defines the physical characteristics of the stripe and the encoding methods used to store data. When a card is swiped through a reader, the reader's head passes over the magnetic stripe, and the varying magnetic fields induce electrical signals that are then decoded into usable data.

While magstripes have been a common feature for decades, they have some limitations and security vulnerabilities. The data on a magstripe is stored in a relatively simple and unencrypted format, making it susceptible to skimming, where unauthorized individuals can copy the magnetic data. As a result, many industries are transitioning to more secure technologies like EMV chips, which offer enhanced encryption and security features. Despite the shift, magstripes remain in use on many cards for backward compatibility.