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Staying ahead in the identity fraud race
When running a business in today’s market, tackling identity fraud can be one of the most intricate and expensive tasks involved. This, combined with the detrimental effects that failing to meet regulations can bring both financially and in terms of reputation, gives fraud management an unenviable seat in the boardroom – often misunderstood and undervalued, until it’s too late.
Fraud itself is nothing new, however the fraud and identity theft industry is currently undergoing a resurgence. While our increasing reliance on digital services and products has generated endless advantages across professional and personal lives, especially in recent months, it has also expanded new opportunities for fraudsters. Individuals are logging onto online services and applications from remote locations across the globe, extending the potential exposure for digital identities to be accessed. No longer is identity theft simply a hobby for hackers – evidenced by the fact that the fraud sector is now worth trillions.
Business continuity is now reliant on a shift from analogue to digital offerings, and organisations across industries are currently reinventing themselves through digital transformation. As a result, the number of interactions between digital platforms and customers is exploding, meaning that there are more vectors available for fraudsters to exploit.
About the author
Carol Hamilton is Director of Compliance & Fraud, EMEA at GBG
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Using data to win the race against identity fraudsters
When it comes to identity theft, we are seeing a surge in both attempts and complexity of attacks. Essentially, as our digital world booms, so does that of cybercriminals. So how can businesses navigate this evolving fraud landscape? As a key first step, they should look to embrace data, collaboration and emerging technologies like advances in identity verification.
What’s more, the ways in which technology can support identity theft prevention are evolving, and we can now use data as a core part of these defences. An ever-growing, flexible, multi-dimensional data set has the ability to support decision-making, risk assessments and market understanding. There’s therefore no doubt that leveraging the potential of connected data points to support identity theft prevention measures will become ingrained within business operations of the future.
Preventity identity theft with verification
Identity verification lies at the heart of fraud prevention. However, with each step forward in identity verification technology, there’s also a progression in identity theft methods. Ultimately, it’s a battle between the two which drives the need to continue innovating and developing new verification technologies.
Most recently, we’ve seen businesses faced with the challenge of remote identity verification. Under remote working measures, businesses have had to suddenly shift from in-person to digital verification, leaving a gap that the online world doesn’t provide for: the certainty that a person behind the screen is who they say they are.
In a time of such heightened concern, there’s more need now than ever before for businesses to be proactive in their fraud prevention solutions – to protect themselves and their customers. Identity verification technologies can be quickly and easily implemented into a business’ services. By embracing connected datasets, organisations can benefit from smarter, more up to date and relevant insights to verify who is a legitimate customer and who’s a fraudster.
Strengthening defences with data orchestration
Data orchestration allows organisations to coordinate the use of data effectively and easily through one layer. As risk officers strive to equip their organisations to be safe and secure, we are seeing a transition from data orchestration being a future goal to becoming intrinsic to secure operations. For example, during onboarding processes, identities will be verified and cross checked with existing datasets to determine if the person is who they say they are, or if they’ve committed fraud in the past. Not only does this add a contextual layer to fraud and identity theft prevention measures, it also improves accuracy and ensures compliance.
Manual data processes and siloed systems are being replaced with intelligent datasets in order to generate real-time responses to identity theft and fraud. Increasingly, behavioural intelligence (i.e. insight into a customer’s behaviour as imprinted in data) is being used to detect the abnormal and increase the power of fraud detection. Furthermore, there is growing emphasis on streamlining processes so that neither customer nor fraudster is aware of the process.
As a further example, device data can indicate potential identity hijacking. Consider the example where an individual’s mobile number has changed sim cards shortly before a significant transaction takes place. Using data to spot suspicious patterns of behaviours such as this can be vital to both the organisations, such as retailers or banks, and the customers involved.
AI and ML: The future of fraud prevention
Combining data and key behavioural intelligence with technologies such as machine learning (ML) can open up a realm of possibilities when it comes to tackling fraudsters. Machine learning can uncover previously unknown fraud patterns and use automation to support real-time fraud detection and prevention. Furthermore, ML can reduce mistakes, improve accuracy and boost efficiency, which in turn will sharpen up operations overall. Organisations across industries are making real progress here and investing more and more.
Ultimately, fraudsters are continually evolving and developing new means of stealing identities - their methods can even change on a daily basis. By adopting data and intelligence driven strategies and leveraging sophisticated AI and ML capabilities, enterprises will be able to detect potential identity theft as it happens, mitigate the impact – and therefore stay ahead in the fraud race.
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Date
06 Aug 2020Sources
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The best laptops of 2022 in New Zealand: we compare the top notebooks on offer
Read MoreWhether you're making the switch from a desktop machine to something more portable, looking at an all-in-one gaming beast, or just after an upgrade on your existing laptop, now’s a great time to compare the best laptops around.
Here at TechRadar, we review all the latest and greatest notebooks, ultrabooks and 2-in-1s, so we have the benefit of being able to thoroughly weigh up their pros and cons.
Apple has really come out swinging with its own M1 chipset and, for the first time in quite a while, their MacBook Air and MacBook Pro have beaten out many of the powerful Windows competition (including the almighty Dell XPS 13).
There's also some excellent ultra-affordable options in the Chromebook category if you're just after a machine for some casual browsing and document editing to take on the go.
If you're unsure where to start, at the foot of the page we've put together a quick buying guide to steer you in the right direction – are you a gamer or do you need something affordable and versatile?
Best laptops in New Zealand 2022 at a glance
- Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
- Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1, 2021)
- Dell XPS 13 (Late 2020)
- Razer Blade 14
- Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6
- Acer Swift 3
- Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook
- Asus TUF Dash F15
- Asus VivoBook S15
The best laptops of 2022:
(Image credit: Apple) 
(Image credit: Apple) The new Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) isn't just the best laptop Apple has ever made, it's also the best value laptop money can buy right now. This is definitely the highest placement an Apple laptop has ever found itself in one of our lists, but the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) is worthy of this spot. Thanks to the revolutionary ARM-based Apple M1 chip that powers the new MacBook Air (Apple has ditched Intel for these new laptops), this is a stunning achievement: a thin and light laptop that offers great performance, even with 4K video editing, while also offering incredible battery life. Easily managing over 11 hours on a single charge, this is a laptop you can easily carry around with you at work or school, and its price is decently competitive compared to Windows 10 rivals (for once). Running both new and old Mac apps, the new MacBook Air can now also run iOS apps for iPhone and iPads, giving it access to hundreds of brilliant mobile applications and games as well.
Even if you've only ever used Windows laptops before, the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) is well worth getting and making the jump to macOS. Yes, it really is that good.
Read the full review: Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) review
(Image credit: Microsoft) 
(Image credit: Microsoft) 
(Image credit: Microsoft) 
(Image credit: Microsoft) While Apple blew us away with the new MacBook Air (above), arch rival Microsoft has also impressed us with its new Surface Laptop 4, landing straight in at number 2 of our best laptops 2021 list. As with previous Surface devices, build quality and design is absolutely top-notch here, and its gorgeous PixelSense touchscreen really sets it apart from the competition (a touchscreen is something we've yet to see on an Apple laptop, as Microsoft likes to remind us).
It also comes with a brilliant keyboard that's a joy to type on, and some pretty great specs as well, which ensures that Windows 10, and all your favourite apps, run extremely well. Battery life is also very impressive – lasting over 13 hours in our tests – and the price is impressively competitive as well. If you're looking for the best laptop of 2021 that runs Windows 10, this is it.
Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
(Image credit: Apple) 
(Image credit: Apple) 
(Image credit: Apple) The brand-new MacBook Pro 14-inch is easily the best productivity laptop you can buy in 2021. For creative professionals such as photographers, video editors and music producers, the MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021) is a dream to use, thanks to a choice between powerful new M1 Pro or M1 Max chips that can handle even the most intensive workloads with ease.
Not only that, but its Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED technology is absolutely stunning, and the best screen you can get on a laptop right now. Add in a 1080p webcam and boosted port selection, and you have a brilliant business and productivity laptop. It won't be for everyone – the price and power will be too much for most people's needs – but if you want a killer laptop to do creative work on, this is the laptop to get. For everyone else, check out the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) at the top of our list.
Read the full review: MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021)
(Image credit: Dell) While it's certainly not the latest model, the late 2020 Dell XPS 13 (9310) is one of the best bang-for-buck laptops on the market in New Zealand. Although later models packed in a few improvements, their pricing locally doesn't translate to nearly as good a value score as this particular model. This 'New XPS 13' packs in the 11th-gen Intel Core processors as well as as the superbly impressive Iris Xe integrated GPU – an upgrade that almost doubles its graphical prowess. This means that, not only is the XPS 13 9310 a great option for business and everyday use with its gorgeous, sleek design and powerful innards, but it's now viable for casual gamers. It's also sporting the upgraded 'Infinity Edge' display which dramatically reduces bezels and the overall size of the unit.
Read the full review: Dell XPS 13 (Late 2020) review
(Image credit: Razer) 
(Image credit: Razer) 
(Image credit: Razer) This luxurious thin and light gaming laptop from Razer just oozes class, and is an ideal laptop for people who want a gaming device they can take around with them. It's solidly built, so you won't worry about it getting damaged during your travels, and it's one of the nicest looking modern gaming laptops we've seen.
It's not all about looks, however, as the Razer Blade 14 comes with cutting edge components as well, including the awesome AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX processor and up to an RTX 3080 graphics card. This means you'll be able to play any AAA game you want in all its glory. It's by far the best gaming laptop you can buy in in 2021, but it does cost a lot of money.
Read the full review: Razer Blade 14
The Asus Zephyrus G14 is an absolute beast of a laptop. (Image credit: Asus) We know, this is technically a gaming laptop, but for those that want to balance work and play, there's little else out there that's better value than the Zephyrus G14 right now. It's worth noting that it's missing a webcam and a Thunderbolt 3 port, so if that's a concern this isn't for you, but its solid battery life, compact form, and powerful specs do a fine job at balancing everything that you'll need from a laptop. This is an absolute beast for performance, with its AMD Ryzen 4000 processors and Nvidia RTX 2060 graphics card, best-in-class battery life that will last you all day long, a fast display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a lightweight, ultrathin design. The best part is that you’re getting all that without burning a hole in your pocket. Don’t get us wrong; it isn’t cheap. However, for a laptop this impressive, we’re surprised Asus isn’t asking for more.
Read the full review: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
(Image credit: Lenovo) 
(Image credit: Lenovo) 
(Image credit: Lenovo) 
(Image credit: Lenovo) 
(Image credit: Lenovo) The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6 is the latest refresh for Lenovo's flagship 2-in-1 business laptop and the addition of Intel's 11th-gen Tiger Lake processors with Iris Xe graphics, along with Intel Evo certification, make it one of the best 2-in-1 laptops we've tested.
Add in the outstanding 16:10 touchscreen display, garaged stylus, and excellent battery life, and there's very little that we can find fault with here. It's got a great selection of ports that puts the MacBook Air to shame, but it does miss an SD card slot, which some creatives may be disappointed to learn.
But apart from that, and a bit of a straight-laced design (as a ThinkPad device, this is a laptop aimed primarily at business users), the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6 is easily one of the best laptops to come out in 2021, especially if you're looking for something that can be used as both a traditional laptop and as a tablet-like device as well.
Read the full review: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6
(Image credit: Acer) 
(Image credit: Acer) 
(Image credit: Acer) 
(Image credit: Acer) Beyond the Acer Swift 3's modest exterior, you'll find an excellent laptop that boasts plenty of power for work and study. The Swift 3 (not to be confused with the Switch 3 another laptop from Acer) is an inexpensive laptop; however, that plain chassis is all-aluminum and packed with beefy components.
In terms of performance, it gets surprisingly close to the far more expensive Microsoft Surface Laptop. Its display is a little lower-res, but the two are otherwise strikingly similar - other than the price.
This laptop is incredible to use as well, with its roomy trackpad as well as its backlit keyboard that offers a comfortable typing experience with decent travel. If you're going to be writing a lot – whether you’re traveling or at the office, this is one of the best budget laptops 2021 has on offer.
Read the full review: Acer Swift 3
(Image credit: Lenovo) 
(Image credit: Lenovo) 
(Image credit: Lenovo) 
(Image credit: Lenovo) 
(Image credit: Lenovo) 
(Image credit: Lenovo) Lenovo doesn't just make some of the best laptops in the world, it also makes some of the best Chromebooks as well, and the brilliant Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook proves how good these Chrome OS-powered laptops really are. It can be used as a laptop or a tablet, and it's backed up by some very impressive specs.
Is it a Chromebook or is it a tablet? Well, luckily, you won’t have to decide with the brilliant Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook. True to its name, this Chromebook delivers two form factors in one, while utilizing the versatility of the Chrome OS and setting you back much less than many of the top Windows tablets out there.
Like all the best Chromebooks, its battery packs an incredibly long life of almost 22 hours – so you could pull an all-nighter, work through the day and mid-afternoon, and you’ll still pass out before it runs out of juice.
For this price, sacrifices have to be made, naturally – the keyboard is tiny, the trackpad isn’t as reliable, and the charger and headphones share one port. However, if budget is your top priority, those are definitely not deal-breakers.
Read the full review: Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook
(Image credit: Asus) 
(Image credit: Asus) 
(Image credit: Asus) 
(Image credit: Asus) If the Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED above is out of your price range, then the Asus TUF Dash F15 is a decent alternative if you're looking for a machine that can play the latest games, but doesn't blow a hole in your bank balance.
Asus' TUF lineup of laptops have been earning plaudits for their excellent value for money, and the new Asus TUF Dash F15 continues that fine tradition. With excellent build quality, a brilliant battery for a gaming laptop, and an impressively thin and light design, this is easily one of the best gaming laptops money can buy right now.
It also features Intel Tiger Lake processors, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3000 mobile GPUs, and up to a 240Hz 1080p display.
Read the full review: Asus TUF Dash F15
(Image credit: Asus) 
The Asus VivoBook S15 is the best affordable laptop (Image credit: Asus) 
(Image credit: Asus) 
(Image credit: Asus) The new Asus VivoBook S15 hasn't been out for long, and it's made its way straight into our best laptops list. This is because it combines a thin and light design with great performance and an excellent price.
If you're looking for a mid-range laptop that doesn't cost too much, but still performs brilliantly, then this is the best laptop for you.
Thanks to its powerful Intel processor, 8GB of RAM and fast SSD storage, this is a laptop that can handle almost any task with ease – though gaming is out of the question. Its 15.6-inch screen is bright and vibrant, and it has loads of ports that makes it easy to hook up your favorite peripherals.
However, it doesn't have the longest battery life for a laptop, and the ScreenPad, which replaces the traditional touchpad below the keyboard with a touchscreen, takes a bit of getting used to.
Read the full review: Asus VivoBook S15
Which type of laptop is best for you?
General laptops: This broader category is dedicated to devices that focus more on practicality than style, portability or power. That’s not to say they can’t be fast, but you’ll typically find a non-Ultrabook clamshell laptop with an HD screen and spinning drive-based storage for less than NZ$1,000.
Ultrabooks: Where you’ll find thin-and-light notebooks sporting SSD storage and display resolutions that exceed 1080p. Paired with powerful, albeit mobile-centric components and especially long battery life, the best Ultrabooks will cost a pretty penny – closer to NZ$1,000 to NZ$3,000.
2-in-1 laptops: Where notebooks that double as tablets are located. Outfitted with both detachable and 360-degree rotating hinges, these hybrids are the most versatile way to experience Windows 10 (or Chrome OS) on a touchscreen.
Chromebooks: Where you’ll find the best Chromebooks running Chrome OS. These do much of what Windows and macOS can in the browser, focused on cloud storage over local, while recently getting Android app support for touchscreen models. They generally cost less than NZ$700.
Gaming laptops: Need a laptop to play games (almost) just like a shiny desktop PC can? Then you’ll want one of the best gaming laptops. These machines generally cost more than NZ$1,500 and can quickly get into the NZ$5,000 range for the beastlier models.
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Your Microsoft Outlook calendar is going global
Read MoreYour Outlook calendars could soon be more organized than ever thanks to a new update from Microsoft.
The company has revealed an upgrade to its email service that will allow users to display a second calendar type.
In the official entry in the Microsoft 365 roadmap, the company notes that users will have "a variety of global calendars" to choose from. This could mean that the likes of the Chinese lunar calendar, Indian calendar and the Islamic calendar will soon be available as options within Outlook, so certain holidays or observances are not missed.
Outlook calendars
The feature is still listed as "in development" for the time being, but Microsoft has included a preview release for March 2022, and a scheduled general release for May 2022, so users should be able to benefit within the next few weeks.
When it does release, the update will be available to all Outlook Web users across the world.
The news is the latest in a series of recent updates announced for Outlook as Microsoft looks to make the service an ideal partner for hybrid working.
Read moreThis includes the ability to browse and reserve meeting rooms on a work phone, meaning you won't be caught without a space ahead of an important meeting. Previously, Outlook users had to search for available meeting rooms using the desktop app or another alternative system implemented by their company, so this offers a significant upgrade.
A separate update entitled "working hours and location" will allow users to set a notice showing where they are working, whether that be at home, in the office, or anywhere else in particular, giving managers more visibility on where their key employees are.
The company is also planning on adding Microsoft Editor functionality on mobile platforms, signalling an end for embarrassing spelling and grammar mistakes on smartphones, as well as adding text predictions to Outlook for Android and iOS.
And in a bid to add a bit more vibrancy to what can be quite a dull platform, another upgrade will soon let users customize the color of the events in their calendar app, letting them not only liven up the view, but also create better distinction and visibility into their working week.
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The best free audio editors 2021: edit music files and make your own podcasts
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