MAC
The message authentication code (data security code) is a cryptographic checksum for data that recognizes if data have been manipulated during transmission. Whenever data are protected with a MAC while being stored, the term CCS (cryptographic checksum) is applied.


Machine readability
The characteristic of a banknote to be processed and authenticated automatically.


Magnetic card
An often used but technically incorrect, shortened version of the term "magnetic stripe card". A more acceptable short form is the expression "magstripe card." (See magnetic stripe card.)


Magnetic properties
Magnetic properties make automated banknote processing possible and are generally integrated into security threads or printing inks. (See IMT.)


Magnetic stripe card
Card with a magnetic stripe serving as a data carrier, with the data being read and stored electronically. Most magnetic stripes have three tracks with varying storage capacities. Once the cards have been issued, the data on tracks 1 and 2 can only be read, while track 3 can have data written on it. The material to be magnetized can either be high coercive or low coercive.


Mag-Track/Text
Variations of security thread magnetic features.


Master-slave authentication
The purpose of authentication is to confirm the identity of the partner (process or device) with which another process or device is communicating. Communication with a smart card is always initiated by the terminal. The card simply reacts to the commands the terminal gives. Thus, the card never transmits data without being prompted externally. This results in an absolute "master-slave" relationship, with the terminal in the role of the master and the card in that of the slave.

Memory card
Memory cards are the simplest form of chip card. The chip’s ROM (read only memory) is used to store all the key identification data for the card. EEPROM is used to store all the application data, which can be deleted as necessary. The security logic, which can be more or less complex depending on the application, protects the stored data from tampering. Typical applications are telephone calling cards and patients’ health insurance cards.

Merchant blacklist
List maintained internally by merchants of payment cards that are no longer accepted, for example, due to return debit notes from EC debit transactions.

MF (master file)
The master file in a smart card's file system is a special dedicated file. The MF is the root directory of the file tree and is automatically selected whenever the smart card is reset.


Microcontroller
The heart of every chip inside a smart card is an 8-bit CPU surrounded by four additional function blocks, three types of memory—ROM, RAM, and EEPROM—and a connection to the outside world, the I/O port. A data bus transports the information internally. All these elements together compose the microcontroller. It directs, initiates, and monitors all activities. Microcontrollers are complete 8-bit computers, event though they generally have a total surface area of no more than 25 mm^².


Microprocessor card
A microprocessor card is one equipped with a microchip that contains a microcontroller with a CPU, volatile memory (RAM), and non-volatile memory (ROM, EEPROM). Microprocessor cards can also come with a numerical coprocessor (NPU), which enables them to perform public key crypto algorithms at high speed. These kinds of cards are sometimes referred to as cryptocards or cryptocontoller cards.


Minutiae-based technique
Among the various methods of biometric identification, fingerprint matching makes use of various techniques. These processes can generally be categorized as either minutiae-based or correlation based (pattern matching). The minutiae-based approach involves comparison of the characteristic key features (minutiae) and their precise locations from one fingerprint with those of another. Pattern matching is based on comparison of the global, or macroscopic, images created by a fingerprint. Minutiae-based identification is the standard technique used by law enforcement officials and in court. The different minutiae patterns found on fingers were identified in 1892 by Sir Francis Galton.


MIS (management information system)
A management information system is used to analyze data collected and processed via a company’s communications network. When the data is analyzed, the results serve as the basis for strategic decisions made by the company.

Modem
Abbreviation for “modulator/demodulator.” A device used for remote data transmission which establishes a connection to a counterpart, converts (modulates) outgoing digital signals from a computer into analog sounds, sends those tones to the counterpart, which reconverts (demodulates) the signal at the other end of the line into digital information that can be used by the intended receiving device.


Modulated feature
Because the possibility to detect any tampering with the data stored on the magnetic stripe of a card is absolutely necessary, G&D developed an invisible, machine-readable security feature. Every EC card in Germany is equipped with this unique, imperceptible feature. Automated teller machines are equipped with appropriate sensor modules that check for the feature and compare the information stored on them with the data on the magnetic stripe. Cards that have been tampered with or counterfeited are immediately detected. (See also EC card.)


Module
Carrier and support for a die and its set of contact elements. A module is an integrated circuit package consisting of a chip with wire connections and contact surface.


Module manufacturer
An entity that attaches dies to blank modules and electrically connects them to the contact elements.


Monetary denomination
See: Denomination


Monetty^® 40
Banknote counter capable of checking for magnetic and UV features.


Monoapplication smart card
A term meaning that the chip card provides only one application.

Monofunctional smart card
A processor chip card with an operating system that supports only a single application and which may have even been optimized for that application. Administrative functions for the application, e.g., generating and deleting files, are either not supported at all by monofunctional smart cards, or they are provided in highly limited form.


MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)
The Memorandum of Understanding is the common legal basis for all GSM network operators.


MRAM (magnetoresistive random access memory)
A method of storing data on high-density chips using magnetic charges. Before silicon became widely used in electronic storage devices, such media were based on iron with its magnetic properties. This had the advantage that, even if the electricity was cut off, the information stored was not lost. Booting was unnecessary, and thanks to MRAM—also known as FeRAM (ferroelectric random access memory)—will be come obsolete once again because the entire system is stored in the main memory. Furthermore, memory chips of this kind would make it possible to design considerably lighter laptop computers. At the current state of technology (2001) RAM needs to be refreshed from the main memory or given a new electronic charge (see DRAM) at certain intervals as it fills up. This is not necessary with MRAM.
It will be some time, however, before that point is reached. Professor Burkhard Hillebrands at the University of Kaiserslautern in Germany is currently working with Siemens to design an MRAM chip. He believes serially produced MRAM chips will be available on the market in 2005 at the earliest.
See also: Univ. of Kaiserslautern magnetism working group: www.physik.uni-kl.de/w_hilleb/w_hilleb.html und infineon.com/cgi/ecrm.dll/ecrm/scripts/prod_ov.jsp?oid=13542


Multiapplication smart card
A multiapplication smart card is one containing several applications, such as a bank card with a phone-card function.


Multifunctional smart card
A multifunctional smart card supports multiple tasks. A typical example is a company employee or university student badge, which, in addition to enabling access to databases or the library, can be equipped with an electronic purse for making payments in the cafeteria, all on one chip. Moreover, cards of this type can bear the classic features of an ID card, such as the bearer’s name and picture. While such applications provide different functions on a single chip, the Airplus cards of German airline Lufthansa make use of every available interface for the various tasks to be performed by the card: a magnetic strip and embossing for credit card applications, a contact surface and memory chip for the public telephone network of German’s Telekom, and contactless data transmission of for Lufthansa’s “Flying Without a Ticket” service.


MULTOS
Brand name of an open, multiapplication smart card operating system developed by the Maosco Consortium primarily for monetary transactions.