Standing out in a fraud-ridden world

ISJ hears exclusively from Laura Kankaala at F-Secure, who explains why telecoms must lead the cybersecurity charge.

Fraud is no longer a fringe risk. It’s a daily threat for millions of consumers navigating a digital world increasingly shaped and sometimes compromised by the very platforms and brands they trust most.

Cyber-crime has evolved into a global pandemic. No one is exempt, not even big brands such as Harrods, Marks & Spencer and Co-op, so inevitably consumers are feeling the effects.

From phishing and smishing to identity theft and malware attacks, not only companies but also everyday users are being targeted on a massive scale.

Empowering safety

The paradox facing many telecom providers is that they power communication and digital access but they also operate the very infrastructure that fraudsters exploit and misuse for illegal gains.

For telecom brands, the question is no longer if they should be involved in protecting consumers, it’s how they can empower users to stay safe online.

It’s tempting to frame cybersecurity as an individual issue. After all, attacks that target consumers often leverage manipulation techniques, which might make it easier to seem like an individual error that couldn’t have been helped.

Exploitation

The problem is that cyber-criminals can exploit both technology and the lack of trust online, they know they can create convincing websites, fake personalities and messages to convince people to do things that are against their best interest.

Especially in the age of generative AI, placing the blame and burden on people to navigate an increasingly sophisticated threat landscape is unrealistic.

Yes, consumers should stay alert and take precautions. But businesses and service providers must take responsibility too.

They control the platforms, the networks and the customer touchpoints, they’re in prime position to stop fraud in their systems before it reaches the user and help users with tools and services to keep their devices and data safe.

Embedding cybersecurity

Telecommunications providers can lead the charge by embedding advanced cybersecurity protection directly into their offering, making it easier for customers to defend their devices, data and digital identities.

These are solutions that work in real-time, detect evolving threats and empower users without overwhelming them.

Why now? The reality is that consumer trust is in freefall, which is no wonder given the threat landscape.

The majority of people do not know who to trust online, so they turn to their trusted telecom providers for help and guidance.

This trust gap represents both a risk and a responsibility for telecoms. However, it also represents an opportunity.

Providing effective protection

Brands that move quickly to offer genuine, easy-to-use protection will stand out in a crowded marketplace.

In a world where consumers can choose a product or service at the click of a button, brands can gain loyalty by solving a real problem, one that impacts people every day.

In today’s environment, cybersecurity is brand equity.

Telecom companies that build security into their platforms, products and communications aren’t just protecting their customers, they’re protecting their reputation and long-term relevance.

In a fraud-ridden world, the brands that act boldly on cybersecurity won’t just stay ahead of threats, they’ll lead the way forward.