MOBILE MONTH: Selecting mobile fraud prevention solutions

Mobile phones, as personal devices frequently used for financial transactions, communications, and data storage, have become a prominent target for fraudsters. In the UK, mobile phone-based fraud prevention is a growing concern for many businesses. As anti-fraud professionals look to tackle this challenge, selecting the right supplier and solution is pivotal. Here are the principal considerations to bear in mind, based on input from delegates and suppliers at the Merchant Fraud Summit…

  1. Understanding the Threat Landscape:
    • Diverse Threats: Ensure your chosen supplier has expertise in diverse mobile threats, from SIM swapping to malicious apps.
    • Continuous Monitoring: The solution should proactively monitor and predict threats, evolving in real-time as new mobile-based fraud methods emerge.
  2. Integration and Compatibility:
    • Cross-platform Support: The solution should be compatible across various mobile operating systems, notably Android and iOS.
    • Integration with Current Systems: It’s crucial that the chosen solution integrates smoothly with your existing IT infrastructure and security protocols.
  3. Real-time Protection:
    • Immediate Alerts: Given the personal and immediate nature of mobile phones, real-time alerts for suspicious activities are essential.
    • User Verification: Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) that leverages mobile capabilities, like biometrics or SMS codes.
  4. User Experience:
    • Balancing Security with Usability: While fortifying security, the solution should not overburden legitimate users with cumbersome processes.
    • Adaptive Security: Consider solutions that adapt based on user behaviour, raising security measures for unfamiliar patterns but easing them for recognised behaviours.
  5. Comprehensive Reporting:
    • Insightful Dashboards: Solutions should provide detailed reports, highlighting vulnerabilities, attempted fraud incidents, and successful interventions.
    • Predictive Analysis: Leveraging AI and machine learning, the system should predict potential future threats.
  6. Regulatory Adherence:
    • Data Protection: Ensure the solution is compliant with UK and EU regulations, especially GDPR, ensuring user data’s privacy and security.
    • Industry Standards: For mobile payments or financial services, ensure compliance with relevant industry security standards.
  7. Supplier’s Reputation:
    • Proven Expertise: Prioritise suppliers with a strong track record in mobile security and fraud prevention.
    • Client Feedback: Reviews and testimonials can provide a genuine sense of the solution’s efficacy and reliability.
  8. Cost Considerations:
    • Value Proposition: Evaluate the potential financial losses from mobile fraud against the cost of the solution, ensuring a favourable return on investment.
    • Flexible Pricing Models: Some suppliers may offer tiered or scalable pricing, allowing you to choose based on your specific needs.
  9. Support and Training:
    • Initial Setup: Comprehensive onboarding will ensure your team maximises the solution’s potential from day one.
    • 24/7 Support: Given the always-on nature of mobile devices, round-the-clock support is crucial.
  10. Future Preparedness:
  • Ongoing Updates: With mobile technology rapidly evolving, the chosen solution should receive frequent updates to counter emerging threats.
  • Scalability: As your organisation grows and mobile usage patterns change, the solution should adapt accordingly.

In the dynamic landscape of mobile phone-based fraud, UK anti-fraud professionals must be diligent and forward-thinking in their choice of prevention solutions. A strategic approach, underpinned by these considerations, will pave the way for robust mobile security.

Are you looking for mobile anti-fraud solutions for your business? The Merchant Fraud Summit can help!

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AUTHOR

Stuart O'Brien

All stories by: Stuart O'Brien