This weekend I have the pleasure of fighting my way onto a discount airline seat with three kids more luggage than is really necessary and my amazingly tolerant wife keeping us all happy.

Of course this is the same journey many have planned or have ventured over the summer weeks. But with the cheap flights and option of booking your own villa from the web, how do you know when you arrive at your destination, the villa will be either there, rented to you or not double booked.

The holiday rental market is not particularly well regulated and owners can register a property for rental with the minimalist of checks being carried out on them. In fact, most sites don’t even check that the owner is who they say they are.

Worried? Perhaps you should be, but things are changing. More internet sites are getting wise to fraud against holiday makers and are implementing ID and Verification checks carried out by GB Group before the owner can advertise a property.

These checks are done in real time and exclude gangs who hit property internet sites consistently trying to advertise bogus properties. They gangs scrape pictures from other internet sites, write a fictitious itinerary of the place and post them.

But good anti fraud platforms with ID and authentication processes can eliminate almost all the criminals from committing fraud, stealing your money and ruining your hard earned break.

So if you have booked a villa like I have, make sure the advertising site does the kind of checks above, otherwise you may become one of the many holiday makers turning up to an empty plot, double booked villa or private address hoping for the best.

Smugly, I have booked mine through one of our customers, so now I only have the Spanish Traffic Control strike and the BAA airport strike to contend with. There is nothing like de-stressing on your summer break…

If you are off on holiday – have a good one!

John

They’re not shy for a bit of publicity this new Government. Not content with targeting 40% spending cuts in public services and taking free school milk away (those under 5’s won’t be voting for years!) we’re back on the benefits fraud trail again. It’s an obvious target really and one that a succession of Governments have tried to tackle. The difference here is that for the first time Government is acknowledging the role of tracking financial transactions in identifying potential fraud by an individual. Now this is not a completely new initiative - credit data has been used by Central and Local Government for a while, to help identify potential fraud around benefits such as the single person council tax discount or housing benefit claims.

The difference, however, sounds like a much more co-ordinated use of credit file transaction data by the DWP to identify potential fraudsters, together with a risk reward model to encourage potential suppliers with the resource to be involved with the collection process too. The latter point of course limits the number of potential suppliers to, well, Experian really! It will be interesting to see what benefits being a “bounty hunter” does to their consumer friendly “let us check your credit report” image. Sometimes you need to be careful not to bite the hand that feeds you! I also wonder whether the DWP are completely happy with so much hype by Experian regarding their involvement in these projects. Have they been officially appointed without a formal procurement process? Time will tell.

However, there is still much less avaricious companies can do to help Government fight fraud and it’s not just data from the credit file that helps. GB Group has been helping Local Government identify properties missing from the Council Tax register, for example, to help ensure that a fair level of tax is collected for properties they serve.

As my colleague Paul Fox observes, the real savings will come from the work around prevention of error in the processes and data management in the DWP. Fraud prevention is the emotive “headline grabber” for an Experian, but GB Group is all about helping get the data right up front and simplifying the process of proof of identity of the claimant before they access a benefit. This also of course will make it easier for the deserving to receive the benefits they need.

We’re all up for some good PR and benefits fraud is a good headline grabber. Well done Experian for getting more out of the headlines than David Cameron! The hard yards for the Government, DWP and its suppliers, however, will be reaching beyond the management of existing fraud and get the upfront processes right to prevent it happening in the first place. This is where GB Group and the serious players can really help. Let’s hope that once the headline grabbers have settled down we can all help Ian Duncan Smith with the real savings offered by making the process of claiming benefits simple and accurate in the first place.

Then we can all worry about Experian interrogating our spending habits without our permission...

Barney Frank the US Congressman got his bill passed last week which will start the journey of the opening of the US eGaming market.  eGaming is a market that doesn’t seem to suffer recession and is full of some of the best entrepreneurs you’re lucky enough to mix with.  There have been a number of markets that restrict the growth of this sector which purely from a business perspective is strange as ‘high growth, entrepreneurial sectors always drive growth in other sectors’ not noticeably aligned at first glance.

eGaming has driven higher security transactions for payments, shopping and networking over the web.  The industry is helping to build out the digital infrastructure which is providing employment and tax revenues to many countries.

There are of course morale issues around some of the eGames, however today’s technology can with high accuracy exclude gamers below the legal age restriction, prevent identify fraud and restrict access to ‘exclusion lists’ to prevent self harm.  This is where GB Group come in, we provide the highest accuracy of ID for gamers, worldwide via the most simplest to integrate and most sophisticated anti fraud and risk engine available.  The same technology can be used to provide accurate tax reporting by player and territory. 

At the end of August I am flying out to the US to start explaining why GB Group eGaming clients are best placed to serve the US market, how they use our technology and why GB Group clients are best of breed when it comes to exceeding expectations and requirements of the US authorities. I’m guessing I will need to visit a number of times over the next few months and I am happy to meet up with anyone out there.  But for now I need to go and fill in some on-line forms to get the right to travel this summer, although shouldn’t be a problem as ‘apparently they use the services of a well known IDV provider’ that I hold close to my heart.

John

It was strangely disturbing to read that Martha Lane Fox is going to get us all on-line by 2015.  My daughter was really non-plussed by this as she is on-line all the time – and quarter past eight is when she gets up to make her 8.30AM college classes.  My mum, however, is waging a single woman war against  the Internet.  Why shop on line when you can stand in a cold bus queue for an hour, pursuing a packet of sausages with the same grizzly determination that was once a feature of our hunter gatherer ancestors.

My generation stands neatly in the middle of this culture and technology clash.  I can’t understand how my daughter can operate three internet devices simultaneously – or indeed why she wants to.  Equally I am frustrated by my mother’s obstinate refusal to stop writing letters that need stamps or engage with technology that would help her in so many routine tasks.  Now my mother likes a cause and doesn’t like to lose.  I remember when the last - or last but one - Government tried to take her pension book away.   The idea of course was that the Department of Social Security (at the time, DWP now) and the Post Office would finally embrace the inevitable and instead of printing very expensive and easy to defraud pension books they would pay benefits straight into your bank account.    My mother would have none of this and campaigned (yes, in writing, with stamps) to maintain her right to a pension book.  She was quite infirm at the time, so she couldn’t actually collect the pension using the book and so I would have to grab some time from work,  go and queue at the Post Office, take the money out – and, yes, cross the road to pay it into her bank.  Looking back on this now she was either a passionate defender of the right to choose - or she really didn’t like me very much.

So Martha, you might think your challenge is trying to get BT or whoever to lay thousands of miles of thicker cable, but your real battle will be to make the internet easier to use.  This isn’t just about clicking on the internet explorer icon, it’s about the complexity and time it takes to register for services (anyone ever forgotten their 128 character HMRC log-on – only about 10 million or so of us on March 30th), filling in on-line forms, proving identity and working out which bit of information will be needed by which service provider.  It’s not so much Big Brother watching you, as the whole House and Davina McCall too.   Press the wrong key too many times and you get evicted...

At GB we’re pioneering the use of on-line identity tokens and working to make the process of accessing services across the internet easier.  We can see the value of the “single sign on” process but this time outside the enterprise IT environment.   This will allow citizens to choose what services to access, what information to share and will not need them to constantly repeat the registration process as they cross between booking a refuse collection with your local authority, paying your TV license or shopping for exotic holidays.  This is going to make the process of transacting online safer, easier and transfer more control to the citizen.

Martha, if my mother is to use the internet to order services she will need a clear incentive and the process will need to be simple.  Otherwise these silver not-quite-yet surfers will be collecting their stamps and will be out to write to you.  With pens.  And ink.  These are dangerous adversaries and they fight dirty.  Good luck.

Nick

It’s along way to work for me. Oxfordshire B roads, M40, M42, Toll Road, M6, M56, M53, A55 and a trip through the Chester Business Park…this is not a journey at the end of which you want to discover you’ve left your Company ID pass behind…

Through our security gate, pass and picture ready, quick cup of coffee (fresh, not machine, so I don’t need to remember the code) and then the blissful wait for Microsoft to grudgingly acknowledge your identity credentials at log in and deliver the morning email.

Security is vital to us at GB and we take the responsibility we have to manage the customer and individual identity data incredibly seriously, but by God, it can cramp your style. We have processes for system access, processes for view, rules for deletion, compliance for suppliers, guidelines for access for cleaners, shredders that could be used to invade Poland… and a regular stream of security audits from data partners like BT and Royal Mail as well as customers from all walks of industry. As we’re one of the few companies that have completed ISO27001 for Information Security, we are able to share best practise with some very large clients and partners.

So, all this increased security is part and parcel of our corporate world now. I remember the publicity associated with the data loss at HMRC two years ago and a trail of lost data file stories that followed it. At GB we hold and consolidate data that individuals, suppliers and customers trust us to manage and we simply can’t fail in this duty. However, across the very small digital divide Google is gathering data on individuals that isn’t consented. Young people are presenting details relating to their true identity on Facebook that their parents don’t know. Amazon is trying to sell you books based on the profile of that Mills & Boon romance you bought your granny last year…

We’ve all got along way to go to understand how we as individuals also keep ourselves both safe and properly represented in our digital identities. This is an area where control will increasingly pass to the individual. We’ll see progress in this transition with emerging technologies like OpenID or the iCard and at GB we’re looking to be at the forefront of the progress to personal identity management. The “winning technology” hasn’t emerged yet, but we are seeing small projects and pilots that will drive the transition towards a world where the consumer manages what data he or she releases to what organisation. That will be a challenge for the marketing departments of the future!

In the meantime, GB is a company you can trust to look after your data…and if you need to know anything about the M6, I’m your man!

Nick

For over 12 months now GB has been discussing how we might further validate passports and information via information sourced directly from the Passport Authorities for each country.  Whilst progress is being made a number of customers asked GB to test and validate the potential use of Authentication Scanners for passports and other documents as part of a more robust ‘document checking’ facility.

We tested over a dozen units from manufacturers across Europe and North America along with the authentication software that needs to accompany these readers, these are the type of readers you see in airport security at numerous airports worldwide.  We have been able to build these readers into the robust domestic  and International checks driven by our own ID3 technology and is used in over 4000 locations alone in the UK to validate original documents.

The principle of Passport Authentication Readers is that when data is thin, the document can be checked, and in airports this clearly to a greater extent works well.  However in airports the time taken eyeballing the document provider and understanding it is not a clever forgery is paramount.  The security guards are provided with a high level of training in person to document eyeballing and psychological assessment of the ‘traveller’ in front of them.

This level of training requirement can be prohibitive outside the high security environment of an airport, combined with the physical need for scanners and their cost can be a blocker to their deployment.

GB also found that where identity theft had been perpetrated through document theft the scanners alone were more likely to help the fraud than detect it by falsely increasing the level of confidence attributed to that application.

So after 12 months of testing is GB launching this service commercially?  The answer is yes we are providing authentication scanners as part of our technology solution.  However we caution carefully where this is appropriate and where it could be a liability.  Our professional services team will consult with each customer as to when it could be a useful tool and when it would weaken the process.

GB continues to innovate through our customers help and participation, if you would like to find out how GB could help your business or you have an idea that you feel could help your organisation better understand the identity of your customers click on the link below and we will get in touch. 

Contact Us

The recent release of the Combined Online Information System (COINS) database on public spending sees the new Coalition Government join the data “gold rush”.
 
Publication of Government data has proliferated through the EU over the last few months, with the UK component perhaps prompted by the debacle surrounding the publication of MP’s expense claims last year.  As a result of detailed interpretation of this data by the Daily Telegraph we now know how much it costs to clean a moat and how to “flip” properties to avoid Capital Gains Tax.  However, we did need to rely on Telegraph journalists spending months wading through complex information to draw out the worst abuses.  This information finally gave the public a real insight into the behavioural identity of our MPs….and led to a fundamental shift in the trust we have in our politicians.

The recent release of the COINS data is posing similar challenges and opportunities.  Some of the headlines are being grabbed by early analysis - £1.8Bn spent on consultants comes to mind, together with £100M on swine flu prevention!  Mmm, didn’t seem to help me last winter…

However, the early extracts of this data seem to raise more questions than answers and what is becoming clearer is that this game is all about what you do with the data, rather how much you have…

Back in the Californian gold rush, speculators were pegging claims and digging for gold…but the real businesses that endured were the apocryphal shovel suppliers, clothing manufacturers and the infrastructure suppliers that developed around the – occasional – gold finds.

So, as all this new data surfaces, is the real opportunity here one of deploying traditional skills from companies – and individuals – who really know what to do with this identity data.  We might see the coalition try and take more control by partnering with providers of data analysis, but I suspect the real winners will be the journalists, bloggers and independent commentators who will interpret data in their own manner, together with those companies with core skills in identity and data management.

As one of the latter companies, we at GB need to make sure we act responsibly and impartially as we work with this information.  However, the trend to more and more open data makes the skills we have in identity management and analysis more relevant than ever.  We might only be in the shovel business, but you can’t bring that gold up without us…

It’s Sunday, and as I’m supervising my daughter’s revision session I’m also taking some time to catch up on some on line gossip…and find myself reading the Mail Online and its headline story on how BT is using “secret software” to monitor social networking sites, allegedly “spying” on Facebook users looking for disgruntled customers.

This technology is nothing new to our colleagues in the Marketing Services team.  We have tested Alterian’s product, SM2, which also monitors social networking sites and which provides a commentary on what’s being said on on-line regarding the image and reputation of major brands. 

The Mail’s position is that this is all “Big Brother” stuff.  Simon Davies of Privacy International is always good for a quote in these situations, and here he says it’s “morally wrong” for companies like BT to monitor social networks and listening in to what’s being said about them.

This of course panders to the conspiracy theorists who raise concerns about abuse of the data that individuals make available on the internet.  However, it would appear that many companies “listening” online are only using this information to improve their services.  

I remember reading that Dell had listened to online criticism of its customer service and had contacted frustrated customers who then contributed to the design an improved service model.  The article on BT was based on direct contact to disgruntled customers to resolve problems.  Famously, at the moment, Steve Jobs at Apple appears to be personally responding to individual emails he receives in the ultimate online dialogue.  None of these are my favourite brands, but at least they are looking for ways to improve their responsiveness to customer feedback.

Maybe the real issue here is one of a right to two way communication. Why should individuals have the right to use social networking sites to air their views, but not to let the objects of this criticism have a right of reply?  If you criticise a Company on-line it seems to me to be reasonable that they listen and try and remedy the issue? 

Social media, blogs, twitter and other online broadcast mechanisms are changing the way we communicate and post opinion – but it can’t be just one way.  However, perhaps the Mail Online is using an older adage in posting these scare stories – bad news travels fast(est…)

Although the cost was going to run into the billions the National ID card was going to help reduce ID theft and impersonation, or was it?

Would the National ID card have reduced Fraud such as impersonation or ID theft? Well GB Group (GB) thinks it may have helped. But, in truth, ID cards are only one physical way of identification, and on their own useful in person but over the internet not so useful.

There are many ways of correctly identifying people and the ID card could have been a simple ‘in wallet’ check, however taken in isolation it would have increased the instances of ‘Fraud’ not reduced them. 

The ID card could have helped the security services such as Police, however in many European countries the security services have to carry ID Authentication readers around with them as ID Card impersonation and counterfeits are so high.  The hidden cost of these readers is considerable and can greatly increase the cost of the overall scheme.

Overall GB thinks ID Cards are useful as one instance of proof.  However, their departure does mean businesses need to reconsider how they ‘take on’ and ‘transact’ with customers to increase sales whilst minimising ID theft, impersonation and Fraud.

At GB we think we have some of the answers, and many UK and International clients benefit from our URU identity verification powered by our unique ID3 technology.  We are helping many clients comply with ‘the age restricted products and services act’, compliance around online gaming and anti money laundering and know your customer directives.

To find out how GB partners with BT plc to deliver world leading solutions for electronic identification and verification click here.

Forthcoming events GB is sponsoring:

The European e-Identity Conference, 9th-10th June, Cardinal Place, 100 Victoria Street, London.  Mark Courtney, International Business Development Manager, GB Group will be speaking on 10th June, session G3, 10.00 – 10.30.

EGR Live, 14th - 15th June, Old Billingsgate, London .  Come and meet the team at stand E96, Mezzanine Floor.

Richard Law’s session at eGR Live on “How identity management can help e-gaming operators increase business value” proved to be one of the more popular at the event, with a second presentation scheduled again on 1^st December. Richard was looking at the whole issue of customer value - what is the real value to your business of having an accurate, up-to-date and fully verified customer database?

Delegates to the session discussed the impact of such an asset and how this can go far beyond simply ticking the compliance box. Richard revealed that there are over 100 core elements of customer identity that we see working with clients across all sectors; this means that simply focussing on name, address and date of birth as the means of identifying and understanding customer identity is really missing the point.  Using intelligence that taps into an entire framework of identity management will allow businesses to understand how to deal with individual customers most appropriately. If you would like to have a copy of Richard’s presentation please just send me a quick email. Or let us know if you would prefer us to arrange for someone to come and talk you through our ideas around identity management,