Comparative study sheds light on cybercrime

We use a variety of online services on a daily basis. We do so because we believe they make our lives easier and more manageable (especially compared to a decade or two ago). Banks and other organisations have, in the past, asked for documentary proof of identity for certain types of transactions, including the cashing of cheques and the withdrawal of funds. In these instances, security was based on the paper identification document produced by the client. We are rarely asked to provide positive paper-based identification these days. Once an online bank account has been open, transactions are verified by means of passwords. Whilst online services - whether banking or otherwise - are undoubtedly convenient, they are also susceptible to fraud. Anthony Riem and Vasco de Oliveira explore how cyberfraud may be tackled.