What functions does CVC2 code perform?

Humanity long ago came to the idea of securing monetary transactions. It was security and, in part, convenience, that the ancient Greek was concerned about, who in the 4th-5th centuries came up with a form of money transfer called the singraph and chirograph. In ancient Greece, they were used to confirm the identity of the recipient and sender of money. Then it was first evidence of identity, then obligations to pay money.

These forms of transactions migrated to Ancient Rome and took their place in Roman private law. Gradually, promissory notes took their place, and then, with the invention of the telegraph, facsimiles appeared as confirmation. And finally, after the advent of the World Wide Web, electronic payment systems were created, forcing mankind to invent all new ways to protect money, and, therefore, payment cards. It was then that the CVC2 code appeared, with the help of which banks ensure the safety of money in accounts. So what is CVC2?

Secret codes

Each plastic card, including a credit card, has several secret security codes.

The main one is its number, which is printed in raised numbers on the face of the card. It is called CVC and contains from 9 to 19 digits (on old cards it was a 13-digit number, most modern cards have 16-digit ones, and additional plastic cards contain 19-digit ones). This number contains detailed information about the card: the name of the bank that issued the card and the type of this credit card are encrypted in the initial six digits; the definition of the card itself - in the next two numbers; the remaining digits are her algorithm. If, when checking the algorithm, the number does not match the value indicated on the card, it will be immediately blocked by the system. The second secret code - CVC1 is located on the magnetic strip on the back of the card. It contains the information identifying the holders identity: passport data, expiration date of the card and the code itself. And finally, the third encrypted one is the CVC2 code (from the English CardVerificationCode2).

Attention! In no case should it be confused with the PIN-code, which consists of four digits and is used when shopping in regular stores.

It has nothing to do with virtual transactions. And our secret code is the very magic key that allows cash flows to flow in the virtual space and enables us to enjoy the benefits of civilization. Now, without leaving home, you can shop on the Internet, find out the latest news on the Internet, enjoy virtual travel and your favorite movies. So why do we need the CVC2 code? The fact is that the originality of the bank card is verified by its numbers. And in the case of fraud, the presence of a fake is determined by them. This code consists of three digits, which are a separate combination of numbers and have nothing to do with the number printed on the front side of the bank card. The code is used as a protection when conducting CNP transactions in the absence of a person at the time of its implementation.

 This cipher looks completely different when it comes to virtual payment cards. This category of cards does not exist in reality and is used only in virtual payments. The safety effect in this case is ensured by the special use of the CVC2 code. It appears after opening the map on the Internet in the form of an email or SMS. The most convenient and safe for online shopping are those resources that own the PCIDSS payment security certificate. But no levels of security override the buyers common sense. Therefore, experts have developed rules for Internet users that help us understand what the CVC code is for.
 

Safety rules for virtual shopping

    Purchases must be made on the websites of large online stores with a reliable HTTPS protocol. The address bar of the legal site on the computer will be highlighted in green.
    Make sure that the CVC2 code does not become the property of unauthorized people.
    For virtual payments, a virtual card is best suited, where you put the required amount as needed.
    If you scan or copy a card from both sides, it is in your best interest to hide the secret code - it can be glued, covered or erased directly on the scan. If you are afraid that some ill-wisher will spy on the code, then ingenuity comes to the rescue. The fact is that this code on the card can be easily erased. You should be aware that an attentive cashier, for example, in a supermarket, may refuse to accept payment, noticing the lack of a code.
    The code is laser-applied, so print marks still remain, and you can always convince the cashier to look closely. The main thing is that the card with the erased code does not become fake! And you can erase it with a cotton swab with any alcohol-containing liquid.
    Do not put all your money on your bank card! It is much wiser to open a special account that will not be accessible through the card. MasterCards data shows that knowingly using a security code reduces the risk of being targeted by online fraudsters by 75%

Even when a stranger finds out your card number, the three-digit security code will not give him the opportunity to manage your money.

Lets summarize why CVC2 appeared on payment cards? Main advantages:

    High degree of protection of the cardholders funds.
    Security of transactions when using virtual money.
    Availability of purchases and payments on the Internet and the absence of territorial and time restrictions.
    Democracy and practicality in using the MasterCard payment system for any citizen without national restrictions.

Throughout the history of mankind, there have been wars between those who sought to save their money and those who were eager to take it away from others. As in any war, first of all, peaceful inhabitants suffered. Today, the first line of defense in this war belongs to the CVC2 code.

The ability to live without worrying about the safety of your funds - thats what CVC2 is!