IBM has patented a technology to help web site operators, cloud service providers and mobile application developers detect fraud by analysing the browsing behaviour of the users.
An analytics based system studies user browsing behaviour to help prevent the log-in credentials and other sensitive information landing at the hands of frauds.
The technology keeps tab on the users’ interaction with a site, the way they click certain areas more often than others; their use of up and down arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate; whether they rely solely on the mouse.
It also analyses the way users tap or swipe the screen of a tablet or smartphone in a distinct manner to set a characteristic of the user.
IBM’s new technology called, "User-browser interaction-based fraud detection system", tracks sudden changes to user behaviour and triggers a secondary authentication measure such a security question to find out whether the user is genuine or not.
IBM master Inventor and co-inventor on the patent Keith Walker said the invention improves the effectiveness of authentication and security systems with insights derived from real-time data analytics.
"For example, if an individual suddenly changes how they interact with an online bank or store, such as due to a broken hand or using a tablet instead of a desktop computer, I want these web sites to detect the change, and then ask for extra identity confirmation before accepting a transaction."
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"Our experience developing and testing a prototype, which flawlessly confirmed identities, shows that such a change would more likely be due to fraud, and we all want these sites to provide more protection while simultaneously processing our transactions quickly."
According to the company, with the growth of e-commerce, fraudsters are targeting digital channels such as mobile devices, social networks and cloud platforms to exploit the vulnerabilities to steal login and password information from the ecommerce sites.
Despite having stronger passwords and authentication systems, online fraud continues to exist in digital world, the company added.
