Security experts recommend a ‘Security Ecosystem'

Unisys security experts recommend that a ‘Security Ecosystem’ is needed to combat identity fraud

Unisys security experts Terry Hartmann and Rob Dewar this week warned delegates at a briefing in Sydney that a security system is only as strong as its weakest link. Unisys called for governments and companies to work together to create a strong “anti-fraud ecosystem” to combat the problem.

“Australian companies continue to invest in online security. But it is clearly not enough, as technology is creating ‘super-enabled’ criminals that are keeping one step ahead,” said Rob Dewar, managing partner financial services, Unisys Australia-New Zealand. “In many companies, what started out decades ago as leading technology is now a convoluted patchwork of systems.”

Mr Dewar cited Gartner research indicating that the financial services sector is investing less than 1% of revenue in security systems. He also quoted Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) figures released earlier this week, that demonstrate that ‘cyber-criminals’ are using more sophisticated tools to gain access to identity information and commit cyber crime.

“Financial institutions need integrated, multi-channel monitoring of seemingly small, disconnected events. Only then can they find and deter organised worldwide fraud,” continued Mr Dewar. “Any company that collects data must track information more effectively and share it with reporting agencies and other groups - and not just after attacks occur. Consumers, too, must be more active in protecting their identities and monitoring their accounts. Remember, something as innocuous as a video rental membership is enough for a criminal to steal your identity.”

At the briefing, Terry Hartmann, director of homeland security Unisys Asia-Pacific, outlined how different biometrics solutions are now being introduced around the world to strengthen border control. “Australia will be one of the first countries to issue International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standard ‘e-passports’, later this year. These that will incorporate a computer chip that will contain a facial recognition biometric,” he said.

Unisys worked with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the development of the specification of the Australian electronic passport. Fingerprints, facial recognition, voice recognition and other biometrics also have applications beyond border security, including protecting against personal identity theft and credit card fraud. However, Unisys warned against introducing poorly planned solutions. “Any biometric solution has to strike a workable balance between security, functionality and privacy,” said Mr Hartmann, “and must allow for changes in technology over long periods – up to 10 years for passports, for example.”

ENDS

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