IBM patents technique to detect fraud

IBM has reportedly patented a technique that analyses click patterns of users to detect fraud online.

According to PC World, the company on Friday said that it has patented a technique for better detecting fraud online to prevent the theft of log-in credentials and other sensitive information, particularly in e-commerce and banking.

IBM said that through the technique, it will be easier to detect thefts by identifying the areas of a page that users click on and whether they navigate with a mouse or keyboard or by analyzing the way they swipe through screens on a smartphone or tablet.

The technology could identify sudden changes in online behavior, which would then trigger a secondary authentication measure, like a security question. It would work on a mobile device or PC, the report says.

The patent, if shown the green flag, could help in securing online transactions against cyber attacks.