Introduction: In an era where digital transactions are ubiquitous, the security of payment platforms is paramount. Middle Eastern payment systems, like OmanNet in Oman,, SADAD in Saudi Arabia, and Fawry in Egypt, are at the forefront of financial technology, employing various security measures to protect users. However, the prevalent use of One-Time Passwords (OTPs) has exposed some vulnerabilities. This article delves into the security landscapes of these platforms, exploring beyond OTPs to highlight innovative security enhancements being adopted. All too often, classic bank transfers still appear to be held back by old OTP technology, with a code being sent to your phone to authenticate a log in or a bank transfer. The credit card world is slightly different in that it has 3D secure , but again it does still depend on OTP’s many of whom are also sent both to your phone and your email. How many of us have the same credentials for our email as we do for other web sites that may have been hacked?

The Limitations of OTPs: OTP systems have long been a staple in transaction security, providing a second layer of verification. However, they are not foolproof. Vulnerabilities such as SIM swap fraud, phishing attacks, and interception of SMS messages can undermine the effectiveness of OTPs. As digital transactions increase, payment platforms are exploring more robust security solutions to safeguard consumer data and maintain trust.

Emerging Security Innovations: Several payment platforms in the Middle East are pioneering advanced security measures to address these challenges and enhance the security framework:

  1. Biometric Authentication:
    • Example: mada (Saudi Arabia)
    • Biometrics, such as fingerprint and facial recognition, are being integrated into payment systems. mada has enhanced user authentication processes at ATMs and POS terminals, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access and providing a seamless user experience.
  2. Behavioural Analytics:
    • Example: Bee (Egypt)
    • By analysing patterns of user behaviour, platforms can detect anomalies that may indicate fraudulent activities. Bee utilizes machine learning algorithms to monitor transactions in real-time, flagging those that deviate from established patterns.
  3. Tokenization:
    • Example: Benefit (Bahrain)
    • To protect card information, Benefit employs tokenization, replacing sensitive card details with unique identifiers during transactions. This method ensures that card details are not stored or transmitted in their original form, mitigating the risk of data breaches.
  4. End-to-End Encryption (E2EE):
    • Example: UAE Direct Debit System (UAEDDS)
    • E2EE is crucial in safeguarding data integrity and confidentiality. By encrypting data at the point of origin and decrypting it only at the destination, UAEDDS ensures that intermediaries cannot access the transactional data.
  5. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
    • Example: OmanNet (Oman)
    • Going beyond OTPs, OmanNet incorporates additional authentication factors, combining something the user knows (password) with something the user has (security token or mobile device), enhancing security measures significantly.

The Future of Payment Security: As digital threats evolve, so too must our security strategies. The Middle East’s payment platforms are not only adopting new technologies but are also setting trends in the global financial services market. Innovations like blockchain for transaction integrity, AI-driven security monitoring, and cloud security enhancements are on the horizon, promising to redefine the safety of digital transactions.

Conclusion: In conclusion, while OTPs have served as a fundamental security feature, the shift towards more sophisticated and layered security approaches is essential. By embracing these innovations, Middle Eastern payment platforms are not only enhancing security but are also paving the way for a safer and more resilient digital finance landscape. This proactive approach to security is crucial in building and maintaining trust in the burgeoning digital economy.

Call to Action: Stay informed about the latest in digital payment security and consider how these advancements can be integrated into your business practices to ensure robust security measures and a trustworthy customer experience. Come talk to Covr , the leaders in secure customer authentication.

I am sure that many readers who have kids are all too familiar with Dora the Explorer. but were you aware of the European Union’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) . Coming in to law at the end of this year, it has emerged as a cornerstone regulation, emphasizing the critical role of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) in safeguarding financial operations. In this evolving landscape, DORA not only charts the path for enhanced security practices but also heralds a new era of digital trust.

At the heart of DORA’s cybersecurity mandate is the requirement for robust MFA solutions, designed to mitigate the risk of cyber threats and unauthorized access. This directive recognizes the sophistication of modern cyber attacks and the necessity for financial institutions and their partners to fortify their digital defences with layered security mechanisms, including MFA.

Covr Security stands at the forefront of this regulatory evolution, offering advanced MFA solutions tailored to the unique needs of the financial sector. By providing a seamless, secure authentication experience, Covr not only helps entities meet DORA’s stringent requirements but also empowers them to exceed these standards, fostering trust and resilience in digital financial services.

DORA’s regulatory net captures a wide array of financial services, extending its reach to include cryptocurrency exchanges, fintech innovators like BNPL platforms, and micro-lenders. Covr Security’s expertise in MFA becomes increasingly critical as these diverse entities seek to navigate the directive’s requirements, ensuring compliance and protecting their operations from emerging cyber threats. Its not only banks that now need to add a greater level of security for customer access.

As the 2025 deadline for DORA compliance approaches, the call to action for financial entities is clear: strengthen your cybersecurity framework with robust MFA solutions. Covr Security is ready to guide and support these entities through the journey towards compliance, offering the tools and expertise required to secure the digital financial frontier against the backdrop of DORA’s mandates.t does

The dark web is home to some of the most criminal activities known to man. It’s not just about buying and selling drugs or weapons – it’s also where people do nasty things with your personal data, like stealing passwords, banking information, etc. Online scams have become a real work of art, leaving unsuspecting victims in their tracks. From identity theft and financial fraud to elaborate phishing schemes, digital deception is both mind-boggling and concerning.

But – the dark web has both good and bad sides. Come join me on a (short) journey as I delve into the dark side of cybercrime, the chilling reality of online scams, and the crafty tactics these modern-day tricksters use.

What is digital deception, and why is it on the rise?

Heard of digital deception? It’s basically when people use sly tactics online to trick people and organisations. It’s becoming more common because we’re all using technology so much, and it’s easy for scammers to get our personal info. Plus, everything’s so connected in the digital world, it’s hard to keep track of everything, right? Wrong.

Beneath these scams, the human factor is the real secret to their success. Cybercriminals take advantage of our vulnerabilities, using fancy techniques to manipulate us. They play on our emotions – fear, greed, curiosity – to trick us into giving away sensitive info or doing things that compromise our security. Uh, oh. Let’s see what we’ve got:

The dark web: a breeding ground for cybercriminals.

So, everyone has their idea about the dark web, right? With a name like “dark web,” it’s hard not to get a bit spooked. The dark web is actually just a small part of the [deep] web. Web search engines don’t index it, and sometimes people mistakenly use the term deep web to specifically talk about the dark web, are you with me? The dark web is not dangerous or dodgy – it’s encrypted, and people who use it sometimes call the regular web Clearnet because it’s not encrypted. Now that we’ve got that sorted, let’s move on!

The dark web has a good side and a bad side. On the not-so-savoury side, you’ll find hackers doing their thing. They use the dark web as a platform to sell their services and make a living, just like any salesperson. It’s all about marketing their skills and services to make that sale. It’s where they trade stolen data, sell hacking tools, and share info on the latest vulnerabilities.

Now, you might wonder, what do these websites look like? Like any other online store, can you browse them and find reviews, mission statements, guarantees, and customer service? It’s an interesting question to ponder, isn’t it?

The answer is yes.

It’s pretty fascinating how regular people with normal jobs have their counterparts in the world of hackers. You’ll find folks from various fields like marketing, sales, cybersecurity, and banking, all with their dark counterparts active on the dark web. Anyway, let’s move on.

Types of online crimes

Online scams come in all sorts of forms, each one cleverly crafted to exploit different vulnerabilities and achieve specific objectives. Understanding these scams is important to protect ourselves and reduce their risks.I will write a post about it in the future, but for now, you can indulge in this article.

The Guardian talks about the growing trend of online scams in 2023. It really highlights the need to be extra careful when doing things online, especially when it comes to money and personal info

The worst cybercrimes in history

Throughout history, cybercriminals have pulled off some seriously audacious and high-profile attacks that have had a massive impact on society. We’re talking about governments and multinational corporations here – nobody is safe from these sneaky and malicious individuals. So, let’s dive in and look at some of the most notorious cybercrimes that have sent shockwaves through the world. Ready? Let’s go!

Adobe Cyber Attack 2013

Back in 2013, Adobe Systems experienced a major cyber attack. Hackers managed to get their hands on customer data, including credit card details, of around 38 million users. Needless to say, it caused quite a bit of financial and reputational damage.

Instagram Hack 2018

In 2018, cyber criminals hacked into Instagram accounts of famous celebrities like Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber. They were able to access user data, including phone numbers, email addresses, and even private messages. This breach of trust was significant for the social media giant.

Equifax Data Breach 2017

The Equifax data breach, which happened in September 2017, is one of history’s biggest and most significant hacks. Cybercriminals managed to access the Equifax database, compromising the personal information of over 143 million users. They got hold of sensitive data like Social Security numbers and birth dates. The impact of this attack is still being felt even today.

Sony Pictures hack of 2014

Back in 2014, many hackers managed to infiltrate Sony Pictures’ servers and get their hands on some seriously sensitive information about their employees. And what did they do next? They went ahead and released a bunch of embarrassing emails, exposing all sorts of personal stuff like salary talks and private chats. Talk about leaving a lasting mark! This incident was a wake-up call for the entire industry, proving that no company is safe from cyberattacks.

The WannaCry Ransomware Attack: Global Disruption 2017

Back in 2017, the whole world was left in shock when this super advanced malware called “WannaCry” wreaked havoc by shutting down over 200,000 computers across 150+ countries. It specifically went after vulnerabilities in outdated operating systems, causing major chaos in hospitals, government agencies, and private companies. It caused billions of dollars in damage and really showed how vulnerable organisations are to cyber-attacks. Talk about a wake-up call for the importance of keeping your software updated and being cyber-savvy!

LinkedIn scams: making threats personal

Unfortunately, LinkedIn, our beloved (?) professional networking platform, has also become a hotspot for scammers. They create fake profiles and post deceptive job offers, tricking unsuspecting users into sharing personal information or becoming victims of financial fraud. It’s disheartening to see these scammers taking advantage of our trust in our professional connections, and it undermines the platform’s integrity.

If you’re looking to delve into the latest LinkedIn scams and want to stay on guard, check out these resources.

Cybercriminals target job seekers on LinkedIn (BBC News, 2022): This article elaborates on a sophisticated scam where cybercriminals target LinkedIn users with fraudulent job offers, leading to substantial financial losses.

LinkedIn Scams: The Rise of Fake Profiles and How to Protect Yourself (The Guardian, 2023): This piece focuses on the surge in the creation of fake profiles on LinkedIn, offering advice on how to identify and protect oneself from these scams.

Dating scams: matters of the heart

In online dating, scammers target those looking for companionship and love. They create fake profiles, build emotional connections, and trick victims into giving money or sharing personal info. These heartless actions lead to financial loss and leave deep emotional scars that are hard to heal.

The troubling rise of the romance scam – How digital grifters are bilking the lonely out of $1.3 billion a year. This article sheds light on the rising trend of online dating scams, particularly emphasising the psychological impact on victims. It also provides practical tips to safeguard oneself from such malicious practices.

Well, yes, humanity.

Digital deception is a constant battle between criminals and security experts. And while it may seem like the bad guys have the upper hand, we can protect ourselves and each other against digital threats in several ways. By raising awareness, boosting education, and staying vigilant, we can effectively fight against cyber criminals and ensure our online safety. Let’s make sure the good guys come out on top!

About me

I’m 🌱 Annika Englund, the Head of Brand Marketing at Covr Security. Thanks for checking out this sort of spooky article. 😅

Have you ever stumbled upon the mysterious dark web, maybe frequented it regularly or had any not-so-pleasant experiences online? I’d love to chat about it. Feel free to get in touch!

When it comes to fighting cyberattacks, multi-factor authentication (MFA) has become a pretty popular security measure. But what does this mean for fraudsters? Will MFA finally put an end to their criminal activities, or will they somehow find a way to outsmart it? Let’s dig into the impact of MFA on fraudsters and see what tactics they might come up with.

The current state of fraud

In today’s digital age, fraud is a persistent problem. Cybercriminals use phishing, malware, and social engineering to gain unauthorised access to sensitive information. Traditional security measures, like passwords, are just not enough anymore. That’s where MFA comes in. It provides an extra layer of security to fight against these attacks.

The impact of MFA on fraudsters

MFA has made it much harder for fraudsters to access sensitive information. Now, they have to provide multiple forms of authentication to get past security measures. So, imagine it’s like putting up an extra hurdle for them to jump over.

But you know how these fraudsters are; they’re always trying new ways to get around security measures. They might try searching for vulnerabilities in MFA systems or even resort to social engineering to bypass it completely. That’s why it’s important to remember that more than MFA is needed. You need to have additional security measures to stay protected against cyberattacks.

The evolution of fraud

As technology advances, fraudsters will keep up with their tactics, too. They’ll likely find new ways to get around security measures like MFA. That’s why it’s so important to have multiple layers of security in place to protect against fraudulent activity. Having a solid security strategy in place can go a long way in helping to keep your data safe.

MFA has made a big impact on fraudsters, making it harder for them to pull off their crimes. But you know what? Fraudsters will keep adapting, so we need to have extra security measures in place. MFA is still important, helping both businesses, you and me, stay safe.

About me

Thank you for reading my blog post. I’m George Fraser, and I’m all about making the web safer for everyone.

So, let’s keep talking about online security and dive into the exciting world of software-based biometrics, multi-factor authentication, and other trends in technology. Feel free to reach out to me here on LinkedIn or george.fraser@covrsecurity.com.

The fintech industry has grown in recent years, revolutionising how financial services are delivered. As fintech enterprises handle sensitive customer data and conduct financial transactions online, they become prime targets for cybercriminals. I will explore the essential aspects of cyber security for fintech enterprises and discuss practical strategies to mitigate potential risks.

In the digital age, where technological advancements have transformed the financial sector, ensuring fintech enterprises’ security is paramount. The rapid digitisation of financial services has introduced new vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit to gain unauthorised access, steal sensitive information, and disrupt operations. Therefore, fintech companies must prioritise cyber security to protect their customers, maintain trust, and avoid significant financial losses.

Understanding the Importance of Cyber Security for Fintech Enterprises

Fintech enterprises deal with vast amounts of valuable data, including their customers’ personal and financial information. This data, if compromised, can lead to severe consequences such as identity theft, financial fraud, and reputational damage. By investing in robust cyber security measures, fintech companies can safeguard their customers’ information, build trust, and differentiate themselves from competitors.

Common Cyber Threats in the Fintech Industry

The fintech industry faces various cyber threats, including:

1. Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks involve deceptive emails, messages, or websites that trick users into divulging sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, or credit card details. Fintech enterprises must educate their employees and customers about identifying and avoiding phishing attempts to minimise the risk.

2. Malware and Ransomware

Malware and ransomware pose significant threats to fintech companies. Malicious software can infiltrate systems, steal data, or even lock critical files until a ransom is paid. Implementing robust antivirus solutions, keeping software up to date, and regularly backing up data are essential preventive measures.

3. Insider Threats

Insider threats, whether intentional or unintentional, can cause significant damage. Fintech companies should establish stringent access controls, monitor user activities, and conduct regular employee training programs to mitigate the risk of insider threats.

Implementing Robust Authentication and Authorization Systems

Strong authentication and authorisation systems ensure that only authorised individuals can access sensitive data and perform critical operations. Multi-factor authentication (MFA), biometrics, and token-based access control can significantly enhance the security posture of fintech enterprises.

Secure Coding Practices and Regular Code Audits

Developing secure software applications is essential for fintech enterprises. Adhering to secure coding practices, conducting regular code audits, and implementing rigorous testing processes help identify and remediate vulnerabilities early.

Encrypting Sensitive Data and Communications

Encrypting sensitive data at rest and in transit is fundamental for protecting confidential information. Strong encryption algorithms and robust key management practices ensure that even if data is intercepted, it remains unintelligible to unauthorised parties.

Building a Strong Firewall and Intrusion Detection System

Fintech companies should deploy robust firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor network traffic, detect suspicious activities, and prevent unauthorised access. Regular updates and patches should be applied to ensure the effectiveness of these systems.

Regular Security Audits and Penetration Testing

Regular security audits and penetration testing help identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the infrastructure and applications. By proactively assessing their security posture, fintech enterprises can remediate potential issues and fortify their defences.

Employee Training and Awareness Programs

Human error remains a significant contributor to security breaches. Comprehensive training programs that educate employees about security best practices, raise awareness about the latest threats, and foster a security culture are essential to minimise the risk of human-induced security incidents.

Collaborating with Cyber Security Experts and Partners

Fintech enterprises can benefit from partnering with cybersecurity experts and leveraging their specialised knowledge and expertise. Engaging external consultants or managed security service providers can help enhance the effectiveness of cyber security measures and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Incident Response and Disaster Recovery Planning

Preparing for potential cyber security incidents is crucial for minimising the impact of a breach. Fintech companies should develop and regularly update incident response and disaster recovery plans to facilitate a swift and effective response in case of an attack.

Compliance with Regulatory Requirements

Compliance with relevant regulatory requirements is essential for fintech enterprises. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) impose strict data protection and privacy guidelines. Fintech companies must adhere to these regulations to avoid legal repercussions and maintain customer trust.

Building a Culture of Security

Creating a culture that prioritises security is essential for achieving long-term success in cybersecurity. Fintech companies can inspire a sense of safety by integrating it into every aspect of their operations, from development to customer interactions. By doing so, everyone can understand and take ownership of their role in safeguarding sensitive information.

Balancing Convenience and Security

Fintech enterprises face the challenge of balancing convenience and security. While robust security measures are essential, they should not hinder the user experience. Striking the right balance by implementing user-friendly authentication methods and seamless transaction processes is crucial for ensuring customer satisfaction while maintaining high security.

In an era where cyber threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, protecting fintech enterprises from potential risks is an ongoing battle. By implementing a comprehensive cyber security strategy, including robust authentication, secure coding practices, data encryption, and employee training, fintech companies can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. Prioritising cyber security protects the organisation’s and its customers’ interests and contributes to building a more secure and trustworthy financial ecosystem.

TL;DR

🌐 Growth of Fintech: The fintech industry has significantly grown, revolutionising the delivery of financial services and handling sensitive customer data online, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals.

🛡️ Importance of Cyber Security: Ensuring security in fintech enterprises is essential to protect sensitive customer data, maintain trust, and avoid financial losses from cyber attacks.

🎣 Common Cyber Threats: Fintech faces threats like phishing attacks, malware, ransomware, and insider threats, requiring practical strategies to counteract them.

🔒 Robust Security Measures: Implementing strong authentication systems, adhering to secure coding practices, encrypting sensitive data, and having strong firewall and intrusion detection systems are necessary security steps.

🧑 💻 Human Factor in Security: Employee training and awareness programs are vital to mitigate human error that can contribute to security breaches.

🤝 Collaborations for Enhanced Security: Partnering with cybersecurity experts and compliance with regulatory requirements can bolster security measures and ensure industry-standard compliance.

🔔 Balancing Convenience and Security: Fintech enterprises must strike a balance between robust security measures and a smooth user experience, integrating safety into all operational aspects without compromising convenience.

FAQ

Q1: How can fintech enterprises protect themselves from phishing attacks?

A1: Fintech enterprises can protect themselves from phishing attacks by educating their employees and customers about identifying and avoiding suspicious emails, messages, or websites. Implementing email filters and security solutions that detect phishing attempts can also enhance protection.

Q2: What steps should fintech companies take to address insider threats?

A2: Fintech companies should establish strict access controls, monitor user activities, and conduct regular employee training programs to mitigate the risk of insider threats. Implementing user behaviour analytics and role-based access controls can also help detect and prevent unauthorised activities.

Q3: How often should security audits and penetration testing be conducted?

A3: Security audits and penetration testing should be conducted regularly, ideally at least once a year or whenever significant changes to the infrastructure or applications occur. Regular testing ensures that vulnerabilities are identified and remediated promptly.

Q4: Can fintech companies outsource their cyber security needs?

A4: Fintech companies can outsource their cyber security needs by partnering with managed security service providers or engaging external consultants. This allows them to leverage specialised expertise and ensure their security measures align with industry best practices.

Q5: What essential regulatory requirements should fintech enterprises comply with?

A5: Fintech enterprises should comply with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), and other relevant industry-specific regulations. Compliance with these regulations ensures the protection of customer data and avoids legal consequences.

About me

Hello there! Thank you so much for taking the time to check out my post. My name is Rajiv Madane, and I absolutely love working in the world of FinTech. I’ve had the pleasure of working with banks and FinTechs all over the Asia Pacific region, helping them grow and transform digitally.

I really believe that collaboration and sharing knowledge is the key to success. If you find my blog topics interesting, I’d be thrilled to chat with you about them here on LinkedIn. Let’s connect, share ideas, and see what kind of exciting possibilities we can discover together. Your opinions and thoughts are super important to me!

Thanks again for reading and your support. I can’t wait to chat with you on LinkedIn and keep pushing the boundaries of digital innovation in FinTech.

About Covr Security

User-intuitive, tamper-proof digital identification solutions for industries dependent on strong customer authentication.

We have a background in designing one of the world’s most successful banking ID applications and enabling its success in Sweden. Today we provide an enhanced version of security solutions globally. Supported by military-grade encryption technologies originating from Nordic bank security.

covrsecurity.com

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Measuring the effectiveness of MFA is crucial for you to evaluate your multi-factor authentication system, enhance your security posture, and defend against cyber threats. By leveraging MFA metrics, you can clearly understand your security posture and compare it to previous baselines.

Moreover, you can analyse the data to identify any challenges in authentication processes or user behaviour that malicious actors could potentially exploit. MFA metrics also help you pinpoint weak points in your system or areas where additional security measures may be required.

Start by tracking the following metrics:

  1. Number of user accounts with MFA enabled – use this metric to measure how many users have enabled multi-factor authentication on your accounts. This helps you determine if you are deploying MFA effectively and efficiently.
  2. Number of successful logins – By tracking the number of successful logins, you can determine if your MFA implementation prevents cyber threats from accessing user accounts.
  3. Number of failed logins – This metric helps you measure how often users enter incorrect credentials when attempting to access an account with MFA enabled.
  4. Percentage of devices using biometrics for authentication – Tracking the percentage of devices using biometric authentication can help you determine if your users are taking advantage of the added security benefits of biometric-based MFA.
  5. Number of compromised accounts – Companies can use this metric to measure how successful your MFA implementation is at preventing account compromise.

If this has sparked your interest and you have any questions about improving your security, feel free to reach out. Our team of experts is more than happy to help with any queries you may have.

Black Friday brings the picture of chaos to mind when people go berserk in stores, right? And true, not long ago the standard protection gear was helmets, knee – and elbow pads in the brawl for Black Friday brings the picture of chaos to mind when people go berserk in stores, right? And true, not long ago, the standard protection gear was helmets, knee – and elbow pads in the brawl for Black Friday door-cracked deals. But this is rapidly changing as more and more people (naturally) avoid the in-store ruckus and instead hunt for Black Friday deals online from their homes.

People’s desire to grab top Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals for their friend’s and family’s Christmas lists is a massive threat to both retailers and consumers. During the online shopping frenzy, people click-search for a bargain after a bargain and tend to ignore elementary security procedure

If it walks like a duck or clucks like a duck – it’s probably a duck.

As online retailers’ email campaigns ramp up with irresistible offers, cybercriminals are getting ready to get in on the action into action too. The holiday season provides a golden opportunity for fraudsters to dispatch millions of phishing emails with too-good-to-be-true discounts that land in our inboxes mingled with legitimate offers.

The smartphone security dilemma

It’s not just online frauds that present a threat – all digital or electronic means of payment, like card transactions and ATM withdrawals, are equally vulnerable to fraud, this we already know. But – there is one significant device that has become the most exposed and undefended in recent years – the smartphone. This fact is particularly disheartening as the smartphone is also the preferred means of payment and shopping for an ever-increasing amount of people. One security pitfall is, for example, that mobile browsers have short address fields and it can be hard to see the full URL because of this, which makes it more challenging to see the deceptive link.

The regulation that comes to the rescue – PSD2

The EU regulation PSD2 (Second Secure Payment Directive) is about opening up banks’ APIs to third parties. Still, the directive also requires that transactions from €30 and up go through heavy authentication before an approved purchase. To handle this, the customer experience can, in many cases, take a blow, as it means more clicks and complex setup of various authentication applications on people’s own devices and more advanced security procedures to go through than before.

How about Covr?

With this in mind, we developed the Covr app, which circumvents user-friendliness and security paradoxes. As a result, Covr is both ultra-secure and convenient for people to use – and the shopping holidays can become a fun, safe, and happy experience again for your customers.

In recent years, proving who you are has become more critical. Companies and online services need verification and use different methods for you to do so. We started with increasingly complex passwords, but more and more are looking at 2-factor-authentication or even multi-factor authentication. But what way is preferred, both from a security and user-experience perspective?

Having complex passwords that you can’t even remember yourself has lately proven to be a relatively poor method of securing your online accounts. Bill Burr, the former manager at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), created the password guide used today to find a secure password. The problem is that the guide was produced in 2003, and Burr now says that he didn’t understand how passwords worked during the time. The principle that is being used today doesn’t ensure safe passwords. A better method of creating secure passwords is to put together three or four unrelated words, resulting in a longer password without being unreasonably challenging to remember.

But having just a password to verify your identity has proven insufficient; look at the Heartbleed bug a few years ago, where thousands of passwords were leaked. In addition, through the years, there have been several reports where hacks or simple errors have compromised passwords. So, to stay safe, there should be another method to prove you are you.

The answer has come in the form of 2-factor authentication, where you use your password to log in to an online account and then get prompted on a different device (often your mobile phone) to authenticate that you are attempting to log in to that account. This ensures that you are you, or at least in theory. In addition, many started using text messaging to send a passcode you entered to verify the login. But lately, there have been numerous reports of such text messages being redirected to a different phone, and thus the authentication process is yet again insecure.

Many companies, such as Google, have created an app that ensures the verification code is only sent to that specific phone. In countries like Sweden, the banks have joined forces and created a Bank-ID linked to the citizen’s identification number. The problem with these is that they do not work globally or universally across platforms. In Google’s case, the service provider must then use Google’s authentication and, thus, their login system, which might be undesirable for many service providers. In the case of the Swedish Bank ID, you must have a Swedish personal number and a Swedish bank account.

In other cases, the verification process often requires several steps, which becomes a hassle for the user. This reduces the willingness to use the verification system. Since people tend to use the path of least resistance, the user experience must be at the system’s center. If logging in to your account isn’t easy, you will probably use a less secure method instead.

With Covr, you can offer your users a safe way of authenticating themselves and authorizing transactions via an app on their smartphones
With Covr, you can offer your users a safe way of authenticating themselves and authorizing transactions via an app on their smartphones

Developing a universal and global multi-authentication system that is secure and easy to use is, therefore, desired and urgent. Luckily, we are now seeing several such systems being developed, and the one currently leading the charge toward secure and easy online verification is Covr Security. They are a Swedish company that has used the experiences from the Swedish Bank-ID to create a system that is non-affiliated to a vendor with its agenda and works around the globe. The system is easy to use and implement and ensures the highest level of security. Simply put, it offers all that you could ask for in a multi-factor authentication system

You want to know that the person you’re dealing with really is who they say they are. You do, and this is why an up-to-date secure customer authentication method is the cleverest of business strategies.

Saying it like it is – companies and organizations that continue to depend on passwords alone as their first method of identity verification are seriously negligent. It is not just about the disaster that come in the wake of a security breach, it’s also about owning up to your promise to keep your customers safe. We’d like to disentangle how you can remedy this slip without overloading yourself, your users, customers or workforce.

Three simple advice to convince your users of the benefits of MFA
You want to know that the person you’re dealing with really is who they say they are.

Nobody wants to be the prey of identity thieves

You can no longer dispute that there are severe security vulnerabilities that come with the evolvement of third-party payments services, connected IoT-devices, or the already known problems with unsecure public WIFIs as well as BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies in workplaces. This is the constant headache for IT-professionals and management in most industries providing digital services today (and honestly, what company doesn’t?).

By basing your cyber protection strategy on watertight verification of the user underlaid by smart, tested multi factor MFA-tools that authenticates and grants your customer access to systems and services you are well on your way! This can be done in many ways, of which the worst is using many different tools for mobile identity management as cost and complexity can quickly spiral out of control.

Is MFA really necessary, and if so, how do I get my customers onboard?

People nowadays have colossal amounts of online accounts for banking, social media, digital utility tools, health records – the list goes on and on. By illustrating and communicating the need for identification, authentication and verification on a basic level you can help your users to better understand why MFA is so crucial. Here’s some bullets on how to break it down in a way that makes sense to the average user.

  1. Explain multi-factor authentication to your customers/users very basically
    It takes just one carelessly crafted password to invite an attack – it’s just like leaving the door open and unlocked when you go to work. In worst case, depending on what is stored in the account, sensitive data like credit card numbers, passwords recklessly stored in a text file on Google Drive, pincodes or just fraudulent emails can result in a person’s entire identity is hijacked. Inform your users that this can happen everywhere, anywhere, on any account.
  2. Be persistent and provide plenty of support, guides and information. 
    Change is often tough and convincing a user to trust a new app doesn’t come easy. By being open and giving the users all the support they need, easy-to-read manuals you could win your customers over. Even better – by choosing a security app that you can white label makes the transition easier as the customers sees that the app comes from a familiar and trusted source (you).
  3. Make it easy 
    The best way to convince your users of the benefits of multifactor-factor authentication is to supply them with an all-in-one mobile app that authenticates, verifies, and grants the user access. Choose an app that provides MFA with as little hassle as possible.As with everything, there are learning curves to implementing MFA. Everyone may not understand the necessity for it, but once implemented the benefits outweighs any and all potential drawbacks and protects everything – whether it be identity, data, or money.As for which app to use, Covr offers a lean user experience backed by a company with a exemplary security record!

We have been using passwords and codes for hundreds of years, but still, it seems like our security thinking hasn’t evolved at all.