To help fraud prevention and cybersecurity teams plan ahead, we gathered insights from our expert insiders on the top three fraud prevention concerns and strategies for the coming year.
1. Swiftly Evolving Fraud Schemes: The Need for Agile Defenses
Fraud schemes are outpacing organization’s ability to keep up, with 83% of respondents reporting in the Faces of Fraud report that fraud schemes are evolving too quickly for them to keep pace. The dynamic nature of fraud requires organizations to adopt agile, adaptive security strategies and leverage advanced technologies and tactics such as cutting-edge fraud intelligence detection and monitoring systems. To effectively combat persistent phishing, malware, ransomware and other types of attacks, continuous investment in technologies that can swiftly identify and respond to emerging threats is key. In particular, artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) anti-fraud solutions play a crucial role in staying ahead of the curve, providing predictive analytics and real-time insights that traditional methods often fail to deliver.
2. Hybrid Work Challenges: Monitoring Employees and Networks
More remote workers means that monitoring employees, networks and devices has become a significant challenge. As organizations settle into hybrid work environments, securing endpoints and ensuring the integrity of network communications becomes critical with many investing in Zero Trust Network Access (ZNTA) to broker secure connections for all users and resources. Customer authentication through various access devices is also essential to fortify defenses against potential breaches. Multi-factor authentication, biometric solutions and secure access protocols also can mitigate risks associated with remote work, providing a robust layer of protection for sensitive information.
3. Overreliance on Manual Processes: A Risky Proposition
The reliance on too many manual processes creates operational deficiencies that hinder business enablement. There is a dire need for greater automation as 55% of Faces of Fraud survey respondents report concern about overreliance on manual processes that introduces human error and impacts the ability to keep up with complex fraud schemes. To address this vulnerability, it is important to invest in identity validations and device ID technologies, particularly for web and mobile platforms. Automating identity verification processes enhances accuracy, reduces response time and allows organizations to allocate resources more effectively.
Predicting the Future: Fraud Schemes and Monetary Losses
Another worrying statistic uncovered in the Faces of Fraud report is that only 19% of respondents can identify fraud in real-time and response times are increasing. Chief among these concerns is the issue of information disclosure and stolen credentials, underscoring the vital importance to fortify the protection of sensitive data. Similarly, electronic fraud emerges as a prominent challenge, emphasizing the necessity of robust measures to safeguard digital transactions. Phishing and account takeover (i.e., mobile/web) are additional areas of concern, highlighting the diverse range of challenges organizations face in defending against fraudulent activities.
Regarding the potential monetary impact, 34% of Faces of Fraud respondents anticipate an increase in fraud losses over the next year, while 29% expect them to remain consistent. Neither of these stats is acceptable. Adopting a proactive approach is the optimal way forward. This involves implementing continuous monitoring, integrating adaptive AI/ML systems and regularly updating security protocols. By incorporating these practices, organizations can enhance their defenses and effectively navigate the evolving fraud landscape.
Investing in Future-Ready Technologies: A Strategic Approach
Organizations are strategically preparing for the future with planned investments in critical cybersecurity areas. The Faces of Fraud report highlights that a significant portion of organizations plan to invest in fraud intelligence detection and monitoring systems. The focus extends to bolstering security through customer authentication across diverse access devices, with an emphasis on safeguarding user identities. Additionally, investments in identity validations, device ID technologies, artificial intelligence and machine learning form a comprehensive defense strategy against a wide range of fraud schemes. This holistic approach signifies a commitment to strengthening cybersecurity measures and adapting to the dynamic threat landscape.
How do you protect your future-ready technology investments and where do you start? Taking a risk-based approach that reduces the most amount of risk upfront and allows for scalable risk reduction overtime is an optimal approach. Through a penetration testing engagement with a services provider, organizations can check application security testing, adversary simulation, phishing campaigns, exploit development and reverse engineering, source code review and malware analysis. These services are integral components of a cybersecurity strategy aimed at identifying and mitigating potential vulnerabilities in an organization's systems.
Budgeting for Success: An Overview of Future Trends
In preparation for upcoming challenges, organizations are proactively enhancing their defenses against potential threats. In fact, 70% of Faces of Fraud respondents report that their fraud prevention budget will increase in the coming year. It is important to highlight that security and fraud teams must prioritize persistent dedication to safeguarding their organization’s assets and sensitive information. This strategic approach not only helps mitigate risk but also underscores a commitment to maintaining the integrity and security of valuable business assets.
The evolving nature of fraud demands a proactive and strategic approach. By identifying vulnerabilities, embracing cutting-edge technologies, and adapting to the changing landscape, businesses can fortify their defenses and stay one step ahead of threat actors. As Appgate remains committed to innovation and security, we encourage organizations to collaborate in the fight against fraud to ensure a secure future for all. To learn more about Appgate’s secure access and anti-fraud solutions and threat advisory services, please visit www.appgate.com.