Skimming is taking data from a magnetic stripe to make duplicates. Which term describes this practice?

• A. Data breach
• B. Skimming
• C. Card cloning
• D. Identity theft

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is the act of secretly capturing card data from a magnetic stripe to create duplicates. This practice is known as skimming—the use of a hidden or malicious device at a card reader to copy the track data on the stripe. That stolen data can then be used to produce counterfeit cards.

Data breach refers to unauthorized access to data within a system, not the physical copying of information from a card at a reader. Identity theft is a broader crime that uses someone’s personal information, not specifically the process of copying card data from a stripe. Card cloning describes the end result—the counterfeit card made from stolen data—but the term that best names the act of taking the data in the first place is skimming.