IBM has patented an innovative fraud prevention technique that analyses the way users interact with websites to spot anomalous behaviour.
When individuals access a banking or shopping site, they subconsciously establish characteristics of how they interact with the site, says IBM. These might include clicking certain areas more often than others; using the up and down arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate; relying solely on the mouse; or tapping or swiping the screen of a tablet or smartphone in a distinct manner.
IBM says its patented software will help businesses to analyse and identify sudden changes in online behaviour, triggering a secondary authentication measure, such as a security question.
Keith Walker, IBM master inventor and co-inventor on the patent, says: "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. 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."
In March, IBM announced new software and services to help organisations use Big Data and Analytics to address the $3.5 trillion lost each year to fraud and financial crimes.