Fraud Prevention and Transactional Security - AITechTrend https://aitechtrend.com Further into the Future Tue, 09 Apr 2024 17:52:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.4 https://aitechtrend.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/cropped-aitechtrend-favicon-32x32.png Fraud Prevention and Transactional Security - AITechTrend https://aitechtrend.com 32 32 How to Respond to Cyberattacks : A Guide for Businesses https://aitechtrend.com/how-to-respond-to-cyberattacks-a-guide-for-businesses/ https://aitechtrend.com/how-to-respond-to-cyberattacks-a-guide-for-businesses/#respond Tue, 09 Apr 2024 17:52:50 +0000 https://aitechtrend.com/?p=16878 In today’s interconnected digital world, cyberattacks have become an unfortunate reality for businesses of all sizes. No matter if your business is barely known on the internet, or you are a big organization which is using all possible tools to stay safe from the cyberattacks; one minute mistake can lead to a huge scam. So […]

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In today’s interconnected digital world, cyberattacks have become an unfortunate reality for businesses of all sizes. No matter if your business is barely known on the internet, or you are a big organization which is using all possible tools to stay safe from the cyberattacks; one minute mistake can lead to a huge scam. So if you do not want to come under the names of cyberattack victims, read the blog till the end, and keep yourself protected. 

With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, organizations must be proactive in their approach to cybersecurity, rather than reactive. Managed third-party risk, fourth-party risk, and the integration of AI in cybersecurity are some of the key aspects that businesses need to consider when formulating their cyber defense strategies. 

Understanding the Threat Landscape

Before diving into response strategies, it’s crucial to understand the evolving cyber threat landscapes. Cybercriminals are continually devising new techniques to exploit vulnerabilities and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. Email remains the most common vector for malware, with around 35% of malware delivered via email in 2023. This statistic underscores the importance of email security measures and highlights the need for businesses to educate their employees about the risks associated with phishing attacks and malicious attachments.

Proactive Measures to Mitigate Risks

Following are the suggested measures to mitigate risks. 

Mitigating Third-Party Risk

Many businesses rely on third-party vendors and service providers to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. However, these third-party relationships can introduce additional cybersecurity risks if not managed effectively. Implementing a robust managed third-party risk program can help businesses assess, monitor and mitigate the security risks associated with their third-party partners. Regular audits, compliance checks, and contractual obligations can ensure that third-party vendors adhere to the same high-security standards as the parent organization.

Mitigating Fourth-Party Risk

While third-party risk management is essential, it’s also crucial to consider fourth-party risks. Fourth-party risks refer to the potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities introduced by the subcontractors and service providers of your third-party vendors. Businesses should conduct thorough due diligence on their third-party vendors’ supply chain to identify and address any fourth-party risks effectively. 

Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cybersecurity

AI has revolutionized the field of cybersecurity by enabling organizations to detect and respond to threats in real-time. AI-powered cybersecurity solutions can analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and predict potential cyber threats before they escalate into full-blown attacks. Integrating AI into your cybersecurity strategy can significantly enhance your organization’s ability to proactively defend against evolving cyber threats. 

Effective Response Strategies for Cyberattacks

Despite taking proactive measures, no organization is immune to cyberattacks in this digital world. It is imperative to have more security than ever.  Therefore, it’s essential to have a well-defined incident response plan in place to minimize the impact of a cyberattack and expedite recovery efforts. Below are some key steps to consider. 

Incident Identification and Assessment

The first step in responding to a cyberattack is to identify and assess the scope and severity of the incident. Utilize your AI-powered cybersecurity solutions to analyze network traffic, logs, and other relevant data to pinpoint the source of the attack and determine the extent of the compromise. 

Containment and Eradication

Once the cyberattack has been identified and assessed, the next step is to contain the damage and eradicate the threat from your systems. Implementing network segmentation, isolating affected systems, and developing security patches and updates can help prevent the spread of the attack and remove malicious components from your infrastructure. 

Communication and Reporting

Transparent communication is key during a cyberattack. Notify internal stakeholders, third-party vendors, and affected customers about the incident promptly. Adhering to regularly reporting requirements and keeping all parties informed about the steps being taken to address the issue can help maintain trust and credibility during challenging times. 

Post-incident Analysis and Remediation

After the immediate threat has been neutralized, conduct a thorough post-incident analysis to identify the root cause of the cyberattack and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Regularly update your incident response plan based on lessons learned from each cyberattack to ensure continuous improvement and resilience against evolving threats. 

Conclusion

Cyberattacks are a growing threat to businesses worldwide, requiring organizations to adopt a proactive and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. By focusing on managed third-party risk, addressing fourth-party vulnerabilities, and leveraging AI-powered cybersecurity solutions, businesses can enhance their cyber defense capabilities and effectively respond to cyberattacks. Implementing a robust incident response plan and maintaining open communication with stakeholders are also crucial components of a successful cybersecurity strategy. By taking these proactive measures and continuously adapting to the evolving threat landscape, businesses can safeguard their valuable assets and maintain the trust and confidence of their customers and partners. 

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Boost Your Cybersecurity Infrastructure with These Top 10 Firewall Hardware Solutions https://aitechtrend.com/boost-your-cybersecurity-infrastructure-with-these-top-10-firewall-hardware-solutions/ https://aitechtrend.com/boost-your-cybersecurity-infrastructure-with-these-top-10-firewall-hardware-solutions/#respond Sat, 08 Jul 2023 04:11:00 +0000 https://aitechtrend.com/?p=10914 Did you know that when it comes to safeguarding your organization’s data, compromising on any aspect of cybersecurity is simply not an option? In this digital age, one of the key components of a robust cybersecurity infrastructure is a reliable firewall. A firewall acts as a barrier, shielding your computer and network from potential online […]

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Did you know that when it comes to safeguarding your organization’s data, compromising on any aspect of cybersecurity is simply not an option? In this digital age, one of the key components of a robust cybersecurity infrastructure is a reliable firewall. A firewall acts as a barrier, shielding your computer and network from potential online threats. Whether it’s a software or a hardware device, a firewall allows you to establish specific rules and regulations for online activities, ensuring that your company’s users navigate the internet safely. Furthermore, it empowers businesses to prevent employees from accessing untrustworthy websites that can lead to severe damages. Without a firewall in place, your organization becomes vulnerable to the playground of hackers and malicious attacks. In this article, we present a comprehensive list of the top 10 firewall hardware options suitable for both home networks and small business networks, designed to fortify your cybersecurity infrastructure.

1. Bitdefender Box: Protecting All Your Smart Devices

Bitdefender Box is an exceptional firewall hardware solution that provides comprehensive protection for all types of smart devices. Once installed, this device effectively blocks malware, prevents password theft, safeguards against identity theft, and fends off hacker attacks across all internet-connected devices. Bitdefender Box is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Additionally, it offers VPN (Virtual Private Network) capabilities, ensuring secure and private internet connections. This firewall hardware can also be utilized on a personal level, especially by parents seeking to protect their children from accessing inappropriate websites.

2. CUJO AI Smart Internet Security: Embracing the Power of AI and Machine Learning

While many security vendors still heavily rely on signature-based detection, CUJO AI stands out by utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning, data science, and AI. Their firewall, one of their flagship products, delivers unparalleled protection. The firewall’s machine learning classifier undergoes continuous training on diverse datasets, allowing it to identify malicious activities and anomalies within network traffic effectively. By analyzing behavioral patterns, CUJO AI’s firewall can predict potential dangers posed by websites or applications, providing advanced threat detection. With its multi-solution AI-driven software platform, CUJO AI offers network operators a powerful and intelligent firewall solution.

3. Firewalla: Simplified Firewall Protection for Everyone

Firewalla is a highly popular and user-friendly hardware firewall suitable for both homeowners and business owners with limited technical knowledge. This firewall solution combines multiple functionalities, including Firewall, IDS (Intrusion Detection System), IPS (Intrusion Prevention System), Behavior Engine, Network Management Station, and VPN server. Incorporating AI technology, Firewalla detects and alerts users about new devices connecting to the network, ensuring maximum security. It also promptly disables suspicious devices attempting to breach the network’s security, providing comprehensive protection against potential intrusions. Notably, Firewalla alerts users when they click on malicious links (such as phishing or malware) on their PC, tablet, or phone, and also detects instances where malware or infected files are being installed on connected devices.

4. FortiGate Next Generation: High-Performance Security for Your Network

The FortiGate Next Generation firewall, developed by Fortinet, offers high-performance network security, effectively preventing unauthorized access to your network. This firewall hardware provides advanced features such as application and user visibility, SSL inspection, and detection of unknown threats. With FortiGate, you have the ability to establish customized internet rules, enforce granular security policies, and gain visibility into users and devices for various applications. The firewall also offers real-time views of network activity through actionable application and risk dashboards and reports, empowering you to enhance your cybersecurity infrastructure significantly.

5. Protectli: Industry-Leading Firewall Devices

Protectli is a reputable provider of firewall devices known for offering some of the best options in the industry. Their products range from devices with 2 ports to those with 6 ports, catering to diverse network requirements. All Protectli firewall appliances feature a fanless and solid-state design, ensuring durability and longevity. An outstanding advantage of these appliances is their open-source nature, allowing users to have full control over the operating system that runs their network. With Intel-powered hardware, Protectli firewall devices deliver exceptional performance and reliability. To explore the available options, please visit their website.

6. SonicWall TZ400: Power-Packed Internet Drawbridge

SonicWall, headquartered in Silicon Valley, is renowned for its cybersecurity solutions. Among their top-tier products is the SonicWall TZ400 firewall hardware. This powerful firewall acts as an internet drawbridge, ensuring that intruders have no access to your network. The SonicWall TZ400 is equipped with SonicWall’s patented Reassembly-Free Deep Packet Inspection technology, providing enhanced security. Additionally, this firewall device offers lightning-fast transfer rates, supports multiple WAN (Wide Area Network) connections, and effectively protects against high-end attacks like Denial of Service (DoS). With its comprehensive features, the SonicWall TZ400 firewall is an excellent choice for taking your cybersecurity infrastructure to the next level.

7. SonicWall SOHO: Uncompromising Security for Small Offices

The SonicWall SOHO firewall device is designed to provide small offices with big-business protection and uncompromising security across both wired and wireless networks. By utilizing the TZ Series Unified Threat Management (UTM) firewalls, SonicWall ensures comprehensive network protection. The firewall covers multiple security aspects, including intrusion prevention, network-based anti-malware mitigation, content and URL filtering, and anti-spam services. SonicWall SOHO performs traffic inspection across all ports without compromising performance, offering a reliable and efficient firewall solution for businesses of all sizes.

8. Ubiquiti Unifi Security Gateway: Advanced Firewall and Router Combo

Ubiquiti Unifi Security Gateway is a versatile device that functions as both a router and a firewall. With its gigabit Ethernet speeds, this two-in-one solution effectively safeguards your network from intruders. By routing all incoming traffic through the firewall before reaching the router, Ubiquiti Unifi Security Gateway ensures thorough monitoring and protection of incoming data. Additionally, this advanced firewall device offers a range of network management features, enabling you to efficiently manage and secure your network infrastructure. Suitable for both home and business networks, Ubiquiti Unifi Security Gateway is a reliable choice for enhancing your cybersecurity defenses.

9. WatchGuard Firebox T15: Secure Protection for Remote Workers

WatchGuard Firebox T15 is a versatile firewall device that can be seamlessly deployed in various network environments. Particularly well-suited for small or home offices, the Firebox T15 provides full UTM protection for remote workers and smaller sites. With its Total Security Suite, this firewall hardware offers cost-effective security solutions, including ransomware prevention and data loss prevention. WatchGuard Firebox T15 ensures that your network remains secure and protected from a wide range of threats, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking comprehensive cybersecurity measures.

10. Zyxel ZyWALL 110: Enhanced Protection with VPN Capabilities

Zyxel ZyWALL 110 is a VPN firewall designed to deliver robust protection against cyber-attacks without compromising network performance. This firewall hardware solution offers security for both local and remote networks, allowing users to establish secure VPN connections to their local networks even when accessing them remotely. With its faster processing capability, ZyWALL 110 prevents attackers from decrypting VPN tunnels, ensuring secure communication. Furthermore, this firewall device automatically switches to the backup connection in case of primary link failure and seamlessly switches back to the primary connection once it is back online. Another notable feature of ZyWALL 110 is its website content filter, a vital component of any firewall. With its comprehensive features and reliable performance, ZyWALL 110 has become a sought-after firewall solution in the industry.

In conclusion, protecting your organization’s data and network from cyber threats is of utmost importance in today’s digital landscape. A robust cybersecurity infrastructure begins with a reliable firewall. The top 10 firewall hardware options discussed in this article offer advanced features, exceptional performance, and comprehensive protection. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to secure your home network or a small business owner aiming to fortify your cybersecurity defenses, these firewall devices provide the necessary tools and functionalities to safeguard your valuable data. By implementing the right firewall hardware, you can ensure a secure online environment, mitigate potential risks, and stay one step ahead of cyber attackers.

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Exploring the Cybersecurity Trifecta: Windows, macOS, and Linux in the Spotlight https://aitechtrend.com/exploring-the-cybersecurity-trifecta-windows-macos-and-linux-in-the-spotlight/ https://aitechtrend.com/exploring-the-cybersecurity-trifecta-windows-macos-and-linux-in-the-spotlight/#respond Sun, 14 May 2023 13:26:36 +0000 https://aitechtrend.com/?p=9044 Operating systems play a critical role in maintaining the security of digital systems and safeguarding sensitive information. When it comes to cybersecurity, choosing the right operating system can significantly impact an individual or an organization’s ability to protect themselves against various threats and attacks. In this article, we will explore and compare three prominent operating […]

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Operating systems play a critical role in maintaining the security of digital systems and safeguarding sensitive information. When it comes to cybersecurity, choosing the right operating system can significantly impact an individual or an organization’s ability to protect themselves against various threats and attacks. In this article, we will explore and compare three prominent operating systems – Windows, macOS, and Linux – in terms of their suitability for cybersecurity purposes.

Introduction

Operating systems provide a platform for users to interact with their computers and manage software applications. They control the hardware resources, facilitate communication between software and hardware components, and ensure the overall functionality of the system. When it comes to cybersecurity, the choice of operating system becomes crucial, as different systems have distinct security features, vulnerabilities, and approaches to handling threats.

Understanding the Importance of Operating Systems in Cybersecurity

Before diving into the specific details of Windows, macOS, and Linux, it is essential to understand why operating systems are crucial for cybersecurity. The operating system acts as the first line of defense, implementing security mechanisms such as user authentication, access control, and data encryption. It also manages security updates, patches vulnerabilities, and offers a secure environment for running applications. A robust and secure operating system is a fundamental requirement for maintaining cybersecurity.

Windows: A Comprehensive Analysis

Overview of Windows OS

Windows, developed by Microsoft, is the most widely used operating system globally. Its popularity stems from its user-friendly interface, vast software compatibility, and extensive hardware support. Windows offers various versions, with Windows 10 being the latest iteration. It provides a familiar environment for users and is often the go-to choice for personal and business use.

Security Features and Vulnerabilities

Windows has made significant strides in enhancing its security features over the years. It incorporates features such as Windows Defender Antivirus, Windows Firewall, and Windows Security Center, which provide essential protection against malware, viruses, and other threats. However, Windows has also been a primary target for attackers due to its widespread adoption, making it more vulnerable to security breaches if not properly managed.

Pros and Cons of Windows for Cybersecurity

Windows offers a range of benefits for cybersecurity, including its extensive software support, ease of use, and a broad user base, which results in a vast community for support and knowledge sharing. However, Windows is often criticized for its susceptibility to malware, frequent security updates, and occasional compatibility issues. It requires proactive management and regular patching to ensure a secure environment.

macOS: A Deep Dive

Overview of macOS

macOS, developed by Apple Inc., is the operating system designed exclusively for Apple’s Mac computers. Known for its sleek and intuitive user interface, macOS offers a seamless user experience and is particularly popular among creative professionals and individuals who value aesthetics and simplicity.

Security Features and Vulnerabilities

macOS has long been considered a secure operating system due to its robust architecture and built-in security features. It incorporates technologies like Gatekeeper, XProtect, and FileVault, which provide protection against malware, unauthorized software installations, and data encryption. However, it is not immune to security vulnerabilities and has faced occasional security breaches and exploits.

Pros and Cons of macOS for Cybersecurity

macOS offers several advantages for cybersecurity, including a secure default configuration, strong protection against malware, and a closed ecosystem that limits the installation of unauthorized software. Additionally, Apple’s focus on privacy and regular security updates enhances the overall security posture of macOS. However, macOS has a smaller market share compared to Windows, making it a less attractive target for attackers but also limiting the availability of specific software and tools.

Linux: Exploring the Open-Source Alternative

Overview of Linux

Linux is an open-source operating system that is built collaboratively by a global community of developers. It is known for its flexibility, stability, and customization options. Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian, cater to various user preferences and requirements.

Security Features and Vulnerabilities

Linux benefits from its open-source nature, as it undergoes constant scrutiny and receives rapid security updates from the community. It has a robust security architecture, with features like user privilege separation, strong file permissions, and a built-in firewall (e.g., iptables). While Linux is generally considered more secure than other operating systems, it is not entirely immune to vulnerabilities, especially if misconfigured or not promptly updated.

Pros and Cons of Linux for Cybersecurity

Linux offers several advantages for cybersecurity, such as its open-source nature, which allows for comprehensive security auditing and customization. It also provides excellent support for security tools and a vast repository of software packages. Linux’s modular design and strong emphasis on stability make it an ideal choice for servers and security-focused environments. However, Linux may have a steeper learning curve for beginners, and certain software compatibility issues may arise due to the vast number of distributions available.

Comparison of Windows, macOS, and Linux for Cybersecurity

Now that we have explored the individual characteristics of Windows, macOS, and Linux, let’s compare them based on several factors relevant to cybersecurity:

Security Architecture and Approach

Windows employs a combination of built-in security features, third-party software, and regular updates to mitigate security risks. macOS follows a similar approach, focusing on a secure default configuration and a closed ecosystem. Linux, being open-source, benefits from community-driven security enhancements and emphasizes customization and control over security settings.

Prevalence of Threats and Attacks

Windows has historically been the primary target for attackers due to its widespread usage. macOS has seen a rise in targeted attacks in recent years, primarily due to its growing popularity. Linux, while not immune to attacks, has a relatively lower number of reported vulnerabilities and is less targeted.

User-Friendliness and Customizability

Windows prioritizes user-friendliness and ease of use, making it accessible to a wide range of users. macOS focuses on delivering a seamless and intuitive user experience, particularly for Mac users. Linux offers extensive customization options and is highly flexible but may require more technical expertise to set up and manage effectively.

Availability of Security Tools and Updates

Windows benefits from a vast ecosystem of security tools and software, both proprietary and open-source.

Comparison of Windows, macOS, and Linux for Cybersecurity

Now that we have explored the individual characteristics of Windows, macOS, and Linux, let’s compare them based on several factors relevant to cybersecurity:

Security Architecture and Approach

Windows employs a combination of built-in security features, third-party software, and regular updates to mitigate security risks. macOS follows a similar approach, focusing on a secure default configuration and a closed ecosystem. Linux, being open-source, benefits from community-driven security enhancements and emphasizes customization and control over security settings.

Prevalence of Threats and Attacks

Windows has historically been the primary target for attackers due to its widespread usage. macOS has seen a rise in targeted attacks in recent years, primarily due to its growing popularity. Linux, while not immune to attacks, has a relatively lower number of reported vulnerabilities and is less targeted.

User-Friendliness and Customizability

Windows prioritizes user-friendliness and ease of use, making it accessible to a wide range of users. macOS focuses on delivering a seamless and intuitive user experience, particularly for Mac users. Linux offers extensive customization options and is highly flexible but may require more technical expertise to set up and manage effectively.

Availability of Security Tools and Updates

Windows benefits from a vast ecosystem of security tools and software, both proprietary and open-source. It has a robust antivirus market and various security suites tailored to different user needs. macOS has a smaller selection of security tools but benefits from Apple’s focus on providing regular security updates. Linux offers a rich repository of open-source security tools and software, with the ability to leverage community-driven solutions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice of operating system for cybersecurity depends on various factors, including user preferences, system requirements, and the specific use case. Windows, with its widespread adoption, extensive software support, and continuous security updates, remains a popular choice. macOS, known for its sleek interface, strong default security features, and focus on privacy, appeals to users seeking an intuitive and secure experience. Linux, with its open-source nature, customization options, and robust security architecture, is favored in security-focused environments.

Ultimately, a proactive approach to cybersecurity is crucial regardless of the operating system chosen. Regular updates, strong passwords, cautious browsing habits, and a layered security approach involving firewalls, antivirus software, and user education are essential in protecting against evolving threats.

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Censys Completes $35 Million Series B Funding Round Led by Intel Capital https://aitechtrend.com/censys-completes-35-million-series-b-funding-round-led-by-intel-capital/ Mon, 31 Jan 2022 14:26:10 +0000 https://aitechtrend.com/?p=6027 Brad Brooks appointed chief executive officer to help company accelerate growth and bring next-gen attack surface management to more verticals Censys, the leading provider of continuous attack surface management, today announced it completed a $35 million Series B funding round led by Intel Capital. Previous investors including Google Ventures, Decibel and Greylock Partners also participated in the […]

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Brad Brooks appointed chief executive officer to help company accelerate growth and bring next-gen attack surface management to more verticals

Censys, the leading provider of continuous attack surface management, today announced it completed a $35 million Series B funding round led by Intel Capital. Previous investors including Google Ventures, Decibel and Greylock Partners also participated in the round. With this funding, Censys will continue to accelerate its R&D, engineering, product and sales operations. In addition, Brad Brooks, former CEO of OneLogin, has been appointed the company’s new chief executive officer to help accelerate the next phase of the company’s growth and product development.

Brad Brooks, CEO at Censys
Brad Brooks, CEO at Censys

Censys announced it completed a $35 million Series B funding round and appointed Brad Brooks as CEO.Tweet this

Organizations’ unmanaged internet assets continue to jeopardize their overall security posture with expansive attack surfaces for bad actors to exploit and introduce new risks and incidents. In 2020, internet-facing cloud assets were involved in 73% of reported cybersecurity incidents.1 Censys’ mission is to provide intuitive attack surface management, enabling organizations to comprehensively manage their Internet-facing assets and risks regardless of host location, including discovering previously unknown internet assets. Censys’ attack surface management platform continuously discovers organizations’ internet assets and monitors them as part of a comprehensive inventory, identifies egregious security issues, and prevents oversights from becoming vulnerabilities by ensuring that assets are protected by integrating with existing security solutions.

“Censys provides a consolidated view into both internal and external attack surface and dependencies enabling security leaders to make informed risk decisions and provide swifter response to issues,” said Sunil Kurkure, Managing Director, Intel Capital. “As organizations continue to seek added protection against today’s advanced cyber threats, Censys has an opportunity to further build its attack surface management solution to help CISOs better manage the ever-expanding security perimeter. We’re thrilled to be a part of the exciting journey ahead.”

Brooks, a seasoned senior technology executive with over 25 years of experience working with management teams at DocuSign, Juniper Networks and Microsoft to innovate product lines and grow customer base, succeeds Lorne Groe, who served as interim CEO and will return to his role of CFO and COO. At Censys, Brooks will help lead the company into its next growth phase and accelerate its solutions roadmap that will provide more asset discovery and self-service capabilities for enterprises and government agencies.

“Censys has created a stellar attack surface management platform that organizations view as a security problem solver. This industry leadership is reflected in the significant triple-digit annual recurring revenue growth it has experienced year over year and the organizations it calls customers, including Google and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,” said Brad Brooks, CEO, Censys. “I’m excited to join Censys as we begin this exciting new chapter and help bring more innovative capabilities to this rapidly growing attack surface management marketplace.”

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Data Science: A game-changer for the Finance Industry https://aitechtrend.com/data-science-a-game-changer-for-the-finance-industry/ Thu, 27 Jan 2022 08:57:19 +0000 https://aitechtrend.com/?p=5999 We have all heard these buzz words- Fintech and Digital transformation. Well, you must think, what’s fintech and how does it affect how I bank? Fintech refers to software, algorithms, and applications for both computer- and mobile-based tools that are used to augment, streamline, digitize or disrupt traditional financial services. Well, banks are an integral […]

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We have all heard these buzz words- Fintech and Digital transformation. Well, you must think, what’s fintech and how does it affect how I bank?

Fintech refers to software, algorithms, and applications for both computer- and mobile-based tools that are used to augment, streamline, digitize or disrupt traditional financial services.

Well, banks are an integral part of our economic system and we can’t imagine a world without them. I’ll be focusing on how digital transformations especially with the inclusion of data science and data-driven decisions can bring new customer experiences to the banking sector.

In the journey of digital transformation, banks across the world have been catching up quite well in the adoption of advanced analytics, data-driven decisions, process automation, etc. in their everyday processes.

The inclusion of such technologies gives banks a competitive advantage, as they integrate it in their decision-making process, and develop strategies based on the actionable insights from their customer’s data. Data science and AI not only strengthen the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, customer experience, regulation, and security of existing economic-financial systems, it also helps build more intelligent, secure, and proactive products and services that form the new area of smart Fintech.

There are a plethora of applications where data science can be a real game-changer for the business. Customer relationships, product marketing, risk management, cost control, fraud detection, etc., all revolve around data, its quality, structure, and its integration in the internal systems.

While many banks have already jumped on the bandwagon and adopted data-driven decisions, data warehouses, and automation through Robotic process Automation, there are a lot of use-cases that have been a great feature addition for not only improving the customer experience but also improving the business revenue for the firms. Let’s look at some of these with more detail:

1. Fraud Detection

With an ever-increasing number of transactions happening both online and through the traditional methods, there’s a lot of room for bank fraud. Every year, fraud costs the global economy over $5 trillion. In addition to taking a toll on individual victims, fraud impacts businesses in the form of lost revenue and productivity as well as a damaged reputation. A fraud prevention system is set up to look for unusual transactions based on customers’ transaction patterns and alert the end-users in such cases. It could be for old or new customers. For instance, for a newly onboarded customer, it may detect multiple accounts opened in a short period with similar data. It’s a knowledge-intensive activity. Fraud related to card transactions can also be identified by looking at the historical transaction data. In the current ecosystem, a lot of AI and ML techniques including data mining, clustering, classification, and segmentation is used to automatically find associations and rules in the data to identify complex patterns, including those related to fraud.

So the next time you get a call from your bank when you’re on a shopping spree on a Friday, you know what systems alerted the bank of potential fraud.

2. Customer Acquisition and Retention and personalization

Banks and Financial firms can leverage internal and external customer data to create comprehensive customer profiles which can be used to tailor customer experience and provide highly personalized offers for card solutions, loan and credit card offers. For example, an algorithm could be built to predict what additional products or services the customer would like to purchase based on their historical purchase behavior. AIML techniques like Collaborative Filtering, Sequence aware recommenders like RNN and LSTMs, and even reinforcement learning models.

3. Trading and Cryptocurrency

Being able to predict how the markets are going to move in the next 10 mins or even 10 seconds is an idea of Data Science and AI in Fintech. Leveraging the mathematical algorithms, we can are able to use real-time data from both unstructured and structured sources to find underlying patterns and trends that might otherwise have been hidden. By spotting trends and risks, these algorithms allow customers, companies, banks, and additional organizations to have a more informed understanding of investment and purchasing risks. While high-frequency, algorithmically-determined trading has always been around, traders were often limited by what they could do in Excel. It’s very difficult to understand the volatile markets data science techniques alleviate this by allowing traders to combine data from a plethora of sources and examining massive amounts of data on past market activity. Aside from this, the benefit of data science in trading practices is reproducibility. Quickly and reliably, information can be distilled that would be impossible for even the most diligent of traders to find before.

4. Credit Risk Analysis

Credit risk is the possibility of a client failing to meet contractual obligations, such as mortgages, credit card debts, and other types of loans. Traditionally, various methods such as credit score cards, intelligent dashboards reporting templates, etc. were used in determining the various risk parameters. Over the years, there has been a shift towards a more data-driven approach to assessing credit risks.

Credit scoring companies like Experian, FICO, and many others leverage data science and machine learning techniques to provide instant financial data on borrowers. For example, companies can use boosting algorithms like XGBoost and decision trees to predict the probability of default of potential loan borrowers taking into account the person, their credit history, delinquency rate, and a multitude of other factors.

The use of AI and L algorithms is not only limited to predicting default probability but can also be extended to estimate recovery rate (The rate at which loss could be recovered by selling customer collateral, given the customer defaults, Loss Given Default (The fractional loss due to default) and Exposure at Default (The amount owed at the time of default)

While these are some examples of how data science can be used in Fintech, there are limitless possibilities for its application. There’s a lot of potential for digitizing each and every process in the Financial technology space. The impact of the digital transformation has been multifold in the post covid times, from paying through UPI’s, getting instant loans approved online, getting fast insurance, personalized offers, and an improved risk analysis leading to the reduced number of frauds. Fintech has radically altered the financial landscape by facilitating the application of big data, AI & ML algorithms, and complex calculations to financial decision-making. In my opinion data science and fintech co-exist. Data science is indeed the backbone of how fintech firms make decisions about everything from customer personalization and acquisition to online working capital loans. Data science and Big data have truly revolutionized the business world!

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