Which term describes the data element on a card's magnetic stripe that uses secure cryptographic processes to protect data integrity and reveals any alteration?

• A. CID
• B. CVC2
• C. CAV
• D. CVV2

Answer: (C)

Card Authentication Value is the data element on the magnetic stripe that uses secure cryptographic processes to protect data integrity and reveal any alteration. The CAV is computed using the card’s data plus a secret key shared between the issuer and the payment processor, so when the stripe data is read, the system recalculates the CAV and compares it to the stored value. If the stripe data were tampered with, the mismatch would indicate alteration and can lead to a transaction being declined. The other codes—CID, CVC2, and CVV2—serve different purposes (verification codes for card-not-present use or extra cardholder validation) and do not provide cryptographic protection of the magnetic stripe’s data integrity.