Digital payment security firm, Eckoh, has released a draft digital health and safety guide following an ‘explosion in cybercrime’, highlighted in data from the Office of National Statistics.
The research shows that the average UK consumer, irrespective of age, is now accustomed to using several communications channels, including phone, text, social media, web self-service, messaging apps and more. Ease of use, in Eckoh’s view, can lull a consumer into a false sense of security. Research also shows that fewer than 20 percent of merchants have invested in secure payment technologies to prevent fraud; a figure that Eckoh believes could be much lower.
Tony Porter, Global Head of Communications at Eckoh said, “The vast majority of UK consumers are reasonably well educated about the risks of exposing their data, but there are also millions of consumers who assume that the convenience of making payments online or over the phone comes with levels of security that simply aren’t robust enough. We are publishing a draft digital health and safety guide to spell out the potential risks and encourage people to think twice before they speak to an agent, click or press send.”
Security standards vary hugely, but the evidence of security is often discreet or hidden. Barclays’ announcement that it is moving to voice authentication of customers as an alternative to passwords is an example of the trend towards the implementation of cutting edge telephone-based security which is led by banks and other financial institutions. The wider picture on security away from the banks is however, less robust, with many businesses little more than ‘digital colanders’.
Tony added, “until businesses get their payment security processes up to date and properly protect customer data, consumers must remain vigilant and extremely careful about how they expose their personal data. Never assume that companies will protect it. Always look for the same level of validation that a company would expect from you.”
Eckoh is sharing its draft of a digital health and safety guide for consumers to prompt debate about payment solutions and telephone-based security and help offset the risk of fraud. Please find the full version on the OEN Facebook Page.
