What is Jitter?
Jitter is an advanced technique designed to prevent unauthorized copying of the magnetic strip information on your credit or debit card. By altering the speed or motion as your card is swiped or drawn into devices such as card readers or ATMs, jitter effectively scrambles any data that card skimmers attempt to capture, rendering it unreadable and useless.
How Jitter Works
Jitter specifically targets one of the most common fraud methods—card skimming. Criminals use skimming devices to copy information from a card’s magnetic strip when it is swiped or inserted into a compromised reader. Jitter interferes with this process by causing irregular motion—such as stopping and starting while reading the card—making it nearly impossible for a skimmer to capture coherent data.
Applications of Jitter Technology
Jitter is primarily implemented in machines where the card is ‘pulled-in’ for scanning, commonly in ATMs and newer card readers. The variable pace during the drawing-in process ensures that skimming devices cannot get a smooth read on the card’s information. This technology is less common in systems where users swipe their cards manually, as these types of readers do not support the necessary nuanced adjustments.
Efficacy and Limitations
While jitter is not a foolproof solution, it significantly reduces the success rate of card skimmers. However, it’s important to note that jitter can sometimes cause legitimate card reading errors, leading to transactional frustrations. Its effectiveness diminishes in systems that employ dip readers as opposed to automated card pullers.
Evolving Security Landscape
Jitter has been aiding card security for more than a decade, yet as skimming technology evolves, so too must our defenses. Although jitter remains a frontline defense mechanism in many ATMs worldwide, newer counter-skimming technologies and continuous improvements are essential in maintaining robust financial security.
Related Terms: card reader, skimming, debit card, ATM, credit card.
References
- BankInfoSecurity. “3 Reasons Skimmers Are Winning”.
Get ready to put your knowledge to the test with this intriguing quiz!
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## What does the financial term "jitter" refer to?
- [ ] A sudden increase in market prices
- [x] Variability in time delays experienced in data communication
- [ ] A long-term investment strategy
- [ ] A method for tax minimization
## Jitter is most commonly associated with which field?
- [ ] Real estate
- [ ] Human resources
- [x] Telecommunications and networking
- [ ] Retail sales
## Which of the following can be affected by jitter?
- [ ] Employee performance
- [ ] Share price volatility
- [x] Network performance
- [ ] Supply chain logistics
## High levels of jitter in a network primarily affect which type of data traffic?
- [ ] File transfers
- [x] Voice over IP (VoIP) and video conferencing
- [ ] Email communication
- [ ] Social media posts
## How is jitter typically measured or represented?
- [ ] Percentage points
- [x] Milliseconds (ms)
- [ ] Revenue growth rate
- [ ] Volume of transactions
## Jitter can occur due to variability in which of the following?
- [ ] Stock market trends
- [ ] Employee turnover rates
- [x] Packet arrival times and route congestion
- [ ] Sales revenue streams
## Which tool is commonly used to measure jitter in a network?
- [ ] Balance sheet
- [ ] SWOT analysis
- [ ] Marketing dashboard
- [x] Network monitoring software
## Reducing jitter is important for which of the following business applications?
- [ ] Accounting audits
- [ ] Inventory management
- [x] VoIP services and real-time gaming
- [ ] Employee training sessions
## Mitigating high jitter levels often involves which of the following practices?
- [ ] Increasing marketing budget
- [ ] Restructuring ownership
- [x] Implementing Quality of Service (QoS) protocols
- [ ] Diversifying the investment portfolio
## What does the term "zero jitter" imply in a network setting?
- [x] Minimal or no variability in packet arrival times
- [ ] Highest possible network delays
- [ ] No fluctuations in stock market prices
- [ ] Optimal employee productivity
