The Luhn algorithm, commonly referred to as the modulus 10 or mod 10 algorithm, is a straightforward checksum technique used to validate a multitude of identification numbers, including Canadian Social Insurance Numbers, IMEI numbers, and credit card numbers. A team of mathematicians invented the LUHN formula in the late 1960s. Credit card firms quickly accepted it after that. Anyone can use the algorithm because it is freely available in the public domain. The technique is a common way to distinguish between legitimate numbers and numbers that have been inputted incorrectly or in another way on most credit cards and many government identification numbers. It was created to defend against unintentional mistakes rather than deliberate attacks.