This Week in Security - 2024 Fraud Watch, Everon Acquires DIGIOP, Unsafe Video Doorbells and ESA Launches Empowering Women in Technology Scholarship
ESA - Electronic Security Association
THE voice of the electronic security and life safety industry.
Each week, the marketing team at ESA gathers the latest news from the security industry for our weekly integrator round up!
This week we look at fraud rise in 2024, Everon acquires DIGIOP, ESA Womens Scholarship and more…
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New fraud threats businesses should prepare for in 2024
From the rapid growth of digital experiences to the increase in AI tools, technology has made incredible advances over the last few years. While innovation has brought opportunity for businesses and consumers, it also comes with a dark side including various challenges and risks.
Fraud is on the rise and it’s not only due to technology growth but the fact that those involved in fraud are keeping a close eye on technology and seeing how they can use it to their own advantage. An Experian report found that over 50% of businesses report a high level of concern about fraud risk while nearly 70% of businesses reported that fraud losses have increased in recent years.
Experian released five fraud predictions to help prepare businesses understand fraud tactics that are on the rise in 2024. These include:
Generative AI and DIY Fraud
Experian predicts fraudsters will use generative AI to accelerate “do-it-yourself” fraud with a wide range of deepfake content, such as emails, voice, and video as well as code creation to set up scam websites and perpetuate online attacks.
Bank Branches Making a Come Back
Many consumers and businesses had made the switch to digital banking. Although recently many people are switching back to completing important transactions in bank branches for a sense of security. It is expected that lenders and banks will implement more verification steps to reduce fraud.
The Bait and Switch Return Method
Online retail has increased fraud in the sense that a “consumer” will purchase a product then return for a refund. Except then the business receives the return the box will be empty, and the consumer will state it must have gotten lost at some point in the return process. In reality they have kept the product for themselves.
A Rise in Synthetic identity fraud
Synthetic identities are fake identities made up of real and false information. These identities are typically used to apply for loans and credit cards. They will silently build up their credit sometimes for long periods at a time. They will then max out any lines of credit and disappear.
Good Faith Investment Deception
Fraudsters will do anything including preying on people’s kindness and generosity. They will leverage GoFundMe campaigns, social media, investment opportunities and more. Experian expects there to be an increase in this type of fraud to gain access to personal information and assets.
Everon Acquires DIGIOP and Enters into the Video Enhanced Intelligence and Technology Space
Everon , also known as ADT Commercial (“ADT Commercial” or the “Company”), a leading security integrator and provider of commercial security, fire, and life safety solutions in the U.S., announced that it has acquired DIGIOP, a groundbreaking software development company specializing in video and business intelligence solutions.
DIGIOP’s suite of subscription-based software solutions merges video with various data sources to deliver a powerful stream of actionable insights, efficient data mining, and case management features across the entire enterprise. Coupled with an intuitive user interface, these solutions leverage critical business intelligence to support a variety of organization needs, including in operations, IT, asset protection, marketing, and more.
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Large Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Others Selling Unsafe Video Doorbells Says a Recent Consumer Report
Consumer Reports “found issues with a dozen seemingly identical video doorbells sold under brand names including Eken and Tuck,” according to a Yahoo! Finance report. It was found that all the potentially compromised video doorbells are made by Shenzen a China based Eken Group. It was also found that the doorbells are controlled through a mobile app called Aiwit, which Eken operates as well.
The troubles uncovered by Consumer Reports researchers uncovered several issues with the video doorbells, including:
ESA Launches Empowering Women in Technology Scholarship
Committed to breaking barriers and fostering diversity in the ever-evolving electronic security and life safety technology field, ESA has launched the “Women in Technology” Scholarship.
The deadline to apply is March 31st and the winners will be announced in Mid-April.
Six outstanding women who have shown a curiosity and drive for installing and servicing electronic security technology will be awarded complimentary training and certification programming.
“We recognize the incredible potential women bring to the industry,” says ESA COO Jillian Bateman-McIntosh. “This isn’t just a financial support to women looking to advance their careers, this is an investment in the future of innovation in our industry. Their unique perspectives can shape tomorrow’s breakthroughs.”
ESA’s Certified Alarm Technician Certifications are the industry standard for training and preparing today’s fleet of technicians and managers. They align with industry best practices and lend credibility to the certification holder. Candidates undergo a rigorous training and examination process, and successful achievement demonstrates that an individual has acquired the knowledge and skills required for success in the field.
The new Women in Technology scholarship program will award three Certified Alarm Technician Level 1 certifications and three Certified Alarm Technician Level 2 certifications to help the selected women advance their careers in electronic security and life safety installation/integration.
“Supporting women in this industry is not just a matter of fairness – it’s a strategic imperative for the industry,” explains Jillian Bateman-McIntosh.
Do you know an outstanding woman who is invested in helping to secure people, places, and property? Have them apply here!
And that’s all for this week, but don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook for real-time announcements of all our news content!
Sources: Security Info Watch, Everon and Security Sales & Integration