Tue, 23 February 2021 | fraud cyber
LexisNexis® Risk Solutions reports the evolving threat landscape created new opportunities for cybercriminals around the world, particularly as they targeted new online users. Analysis shows that the under 25 age group is most vulnerable to fraud attacks while the oldest age group is second most vulnerable and loses the most money. The stark risk at both ends of the age spectrum emphasizes the importance for companies to protect both new-to-digital and vulnerable customers when transacting online in 2021. The report also provides a full year review which highlights how 2020 saw an overall decline in human-initiated attacks, while bot attacks accelerated.
The Cybercrime report analyzes transaction data from the LexisNexis® Digital Identity Network®, a repository of global shared intelligence gained from billions of consumer interactions including logins, payments and new account applications. The Digital Identity Network® processed 47.1 billion transactions in 2020, an increase of almost 12 billion year-over-year. The fraud attack rate observed in the Digital Identity Network decreased on average across all digital businesses year-over-year, although media companies saw an increase in the overall attack rate at account opening.
Malicious attack vectors persist despite reduced attack rates recorded across businesses as automated bot attacks offer fraudsters a cheap, quick and effective method of initial attack. The study analyzed 24.6 billion transactions July through December 2020 and found that mass automated bots used to test identity credentials remain widespread. The Digital Identity Network recorded bot attacks across global regions and within a wide variety of industries and use cases. Likewise, new account creations continue to see high attack rates, representing a key point of entry for fraudsters looking to monetize credentials harvested from data breaches.
Key Findings from the LexisNexis Risk Solutions Cybercrime Report:
"Cybercriminals are opportunists first and masters of disguise second. They are always on the lookout for a new target whether this is new lines of credit, new online businesses or new-to-digital consumers," said Rebekah Moody, director of fraud and identity for LexisNexis Risk Solutions. "While digital businesses are working hard to better provide for new and existing customers, they must identify and mitigate potential risks moment by moment in order to protect consumers from becoming victims of fraud.
"Building a layered defense is key," Moody continued. "Uniting the best digital identity intelligence with physical identity solutions and behavioral biometrics intelligence can be the gamechanger that organizations need to lessen the unpredictable tides of fraud.
"Digital identity intelligence in particular is crucial for businesses to understand the behavior, transaction history and device intelligence of each identity entering their environment. When we can crowdsource real time intelligence across global digital businesses, it offers an unparalleled view of trust and risk. This creates a low-friction online experience because businesses can better recognize trusted, returning consumers."
Source: LexisNexis Solutions