Ultimate Guide to Preventing Account Takeover Fraud

Imagine this: You’ve just launched an exciting promo, and traffic is pouring into your platform. But then, the unexpected happens—accounts start to fall into the wrong hands, one by one. Before you know it, you’re left scrambling, not only to repair the financial damage but to regain customer trust. This scenario is becoming all too familiar across Africa as businesses, both large and small, face the growing threat of Account Takeover (ATO) fraud.

Account Takeover Fraud, or ATO, occurs when cybercriminals gain unauthorised access to a user’s account—often with the help of stolen credentials or clever phishing scams. Once inside, they can transfer funds, change details, or leverage the account for even more elaborate schemes. According to recent data, ATO surged by 24% globally in 2024, with countries like South Africa and Nigeria experiencing sharp rises due to increased adoption of digital and mobile banking. This trend highlights a unique risk for African businesses as the continent’s digital economy continues to flourish.

But while traditional methods of preventing ATO—such as password resets and manual account reviews—have their place, they’re increasingly unable to keep up with today’s more advanced, AI-powered cyber threats. 

In this guide, we’ll explore what Account Takeover fraud means for African businesses, why it’s so dangerous, and how cutting-edge AI solutions like Smile ID can not only help stop fraud in its tracks but also maintain a smooth, trustworthy experience for your customers.

The Impact of Account Takeover (ATO) Fraud on Businesses and Customers

Account Takeover (ATO) fraud poses significant risks for both businesses and customers. The repercussions extend far beyond financial losses, affecting reputation, customer trust, and overall operational security.

For businesses, the direct impact includes monetary theft, chargebacks, and heightened expenses related to fraud investigation and recovery. Additionally, businesses suffer reputational harm, especially if customers feel their data is not adequately protected. This erosion of trust can drive customers toward competitors and lead to lost revenue.

Real-life impact underscores these risks. Just last year, one of Africa's largest banking leaders reported losing over ₦92.2 million in a single quarter due to more than 6,700 attempted electronic fraud cases. In another case, a leading fintech company temporarily suspended services after incurring over $500,000 in chargeback fraud losses, avoiding what could have become a billion-dollar loss. These cases remind us that without proactive measures, the consequences of ATO can be swift and significant, both financially and reputationally.

For customers, the impact is equally distressing. Victims of ATO fraud face not only financial losses but also the challenge of reclaiming compromised accounts. This process can be time-consuming, and stressful, and potentially lead to ongoing vulnerabilities if adequate security measures aren’t taken.

Distinguishing Between Account Takeover and Identity Theft

While ATO fraud falls under the broader category of identity theft, there are key differences between the two. The table below clarifies the distinctions, followed by an overview of other fraud types within the identity theft umbrella.

Other Types of Identity Theft Fraud

1. Credit Card Fraud: 

Using stolen credit card information to make unauthorised purchases or withdrawals. Businesses face chargebacks, lost revenue, and potential reputational damage as customers may associate the business with poor security practices.

2. Tax Identity Theft: 

Fraudsters use stolen Social Security numbers or tax IDs to file fraudulent tax returns, claiming refunds in the victim’s name. Can be costly for employers and businesses, especially if employee tax data is targeted. It can also lead to complications in payroll and tax processing.

3. Medical Identity Theft: 

Fraudsters use stolen personal information to receive medical services, prescriptions, or even surgeries. For healthcare providers, this fraud type results in billing and insurance complications, increased healthcare costs, and liability issues for mishandling patient information.

4. Synthetic Identity Theft: 

Creating a new, “synthetic” identity by combining real and fake personal information. Financial institutions face potential loan or credit defaults when these synthetic identities are used for fraudulent transactions, damaging lending portfolios.

5. Employment Identity Theft: 

Fraudsters use stolen identities to gain employment, often using the victim’s Social Security or tax ID. Employers may be held liable for hiring unauthorized individuals and could face penalties for non-compliance with employment laws.

How Account Takeover (ATO) Fraud Happens

Businesses operating in sectors like e-commerce, finance, and digital services face the greatest threats for ATO fraud. Here’s a breakdown of common methods used by cybercriminals to take over user accounts, along with additional insights to help you identify vulnerabilities.

1. Credential Stuffing and Phishing

Cybercriminals often rely on credential stuffing, where they use lists of stolen usernames and passwords obtained from data breaches to access multiple accounts. Since many people reuse passwords across different platforms, a single breach can expose multiple accounts. Phishing schemes are another prevalent tactic, in which attackers deceive users into revealing personal information through fake emails, websites, or SMS messages that mimic legitimate businesses. Once users unknowingly provide their login details, attackers gain easy access to their accounts.

2. Social Engineering Tactics

Social engineering exploits human behaviour and is highly effective in obtaining account access. Fraudsters might impersonate customer support representatives, sending messages that sound urgent or highly personalised to convince users to share sensitive account information or reset their passwords. 

3. Data Breaches and Weak Passwords

The use of weak or commonly recycled passwords across platforms remains a significant risk, especially following data breaches that expose vast amounts of user information. These breaches enable attackers to exploit these details for ATO fraud. Businesses can mitigate this risk by implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) and encouraging customers to use stronger, unique passwords.

4. Stolen Cookies

Cookies are small data files stored on devices to keep users logged in or remember preferences. Cybercriminals can use stolen cookies as a way to bypass passwords entirely. If they gain access to a user’s cookies, they can often log in to an account without needing credentials. This makes it critical for businesses to ensure that customer login sessions are secure and to encourage practices like logging out from shared devices.

5. Compromised API Keys

API keys allow applications to interact with each other, but if compromised, they provide a direct route to sensitive data. Attackers can use compromised API keys to access user accounts, making it essential for businesses to manage API permissions carefully and regularly rotate keys to limit unauthorised access.

6. Malware Infection

Malware, such as viruses, spyware, or trojans, can infect a user’s device, often without their knowledge. Fraudsters use malware to log keystrokes, steal login credentials, or even gain remote access to devices. Common malware infection routes include malicious email attachments, links, and compromised websites. 

Red Flags Indicating Account Takeover (ATO) Fraud

Detecting ATO fraud early can make a significant difference in mitigating its impact. Here are some critical red flags that business owners should watch for when monitoring for suspicious activity. 

1. Unusual Login Activity

• Unexpected Login Locations: Logins from unfamiliar or geographically distant locations can be strong indicators of suspicious behaviour. If a user typically logs in from Lagos but is suddenly accessing the account from Russia, this could be an ATO attempt.
• Unknown Device Models: Cybercriminals often use spoofed devices to access accounts undetected. If your system identifies unknown or new devices attempting access, this may signal an ATO attack.
• Repeated Login Failures: Multiple failed login attempts in a short period may indicate a credential-stuffing attempt, where attackers use automated tools to brute-force login details.

2. Altered Account Details

• Unauthorised Changes to Contact Information: Fraudsters often change account email addresses, phone numbers, or passwords after gaining access, effectively locking out the legitimate user. Look out for unusual updates to critical account settings.
• Linked Accounts with the Same Email: If one email address is linked to multiple accounts or shows multiple access attempts, this is a strong sign that an attacker is attempting to consolidate control over several accounts.

3. Unusual Transaction Patterns

• Large Withdrawals or Unfamiliar Transfers: Large or rapid transfers to unfamiliar accounts can indicate fraudulent activity, especially if they deviate from a user’s normal transaction behaviour. Fraudsters might quickly drain funds or purchase high-value items, hoping to avoid detection.
• Increased Transaction Frequency: Sudden, high-frequency transactions may also suggest fraudulent activity. Attackers often test their access with small transactions before moving larger sums.

4. Multiple Accounts Accessed by the Same Device

• Single Device Accessing Several Accounts: If one device accesses multiple accounts within a short time frame, it could suggest that a fraudster is using a single device to compromise multiple users. While device-sharing may sometimes be legitimate, consistent patterns can indicate ATO attempts.

5. Several Credential Changes in a Short Period

• Frequent Password or Email Changes: ATO attackers may attempt to retain control over compromised accounts by changing passwords or linking new emails shortly after logging in. Monitoring such frequent credential changes is essential to identify potential ATO fraud and lock accounts if necessary.

Best Practices for Preventing Account Takeover (ATO) Fraud

Preventing Account Takeover (ATO) fraud is essential for securing user accounts against unauthorised access. This section outlines best practices like multi-factor authentication, strong password policies, behavioural biometrics, and more. By implementing these fundamental security measures, businesses can effectively protect user accounts, fostering a safer online environment.

1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA is a fundamental line of defence, requiring users to verify their identity across multiple channels, such as through SMS codes, biometric checks, or app-based authentication. Implementing MFA significantly reduces the chances of unauthorised account access by ensuring multiple barriers for fraudsters.

2. Strong Password Policies

Enforcing strong password policies encourages users to create complex combinations that resist brute-force attacks. Regular password updates add another level of security, limiting the window for potential compromise.

3. Behavioral Biometrics

This approach monitors how users typically interact with devices, including typing speed or touch patterns. Behavioural biometrics can quickly flag any unusual activity as potentially fraudulent, triggering immediate alerts and potentially blocking access.

4. Account Alerts and Notifications

Sending real-time alerts to users about login attempts or changes to their accounts empowers them to spot and respond to potential fraud quickly.

5. Secured API Integrations

Ensuring that all third-party integrations are secure minimises the chances of vulnerabilities that fraudsters might exploit to gain unauthorised access.

Related Reading: Smile ID Certification Overview

Advanced Strategies for Preventing ATO Fraud

Basic security measures are crucial, but as fraud tactics evolve, preventive measures demand advanced strategies. Here, we discuss using artificial intelligence, machine learning, regular security audits, and user education as sophisticated layers of defence. These proactive approaches enhance fraud detection, optimise responses, and help build a strong, adaptive security system.

1. AI and Machine Learning

By leveraging machine learning algorithms, businesses can detect anomalies in transaction patterns, flagging potential fraud with far more accuracy than traditional methods allow. AI can also adapt over time, enhancing detection through continuous learning.

2. User Education and Awareness

Educating users about phishing risks, password security, and how to recognise potential threats helps create a more vigilant user base. Awareness campaigns, training sessions, and regular reminders reinforce good security practices.

3. Regular Security Audits

Periodic assessments of security protocols help organizations identify and address any vulnerabilities before they are exploited, keeping defences against ATO fraud up to date with evolving threats.

We covered more strategies in our webinar: Startup Security - Your guide to fraud prevention 

Traditional Account Takeover Prevention Methods and Their Shortcomings

Although widely used, traditional methods like manual verification, passwords, security questions, and SMS-based authentication have significant limitations. By understanding these shortcomings, businesses can make informed decisions about modernising their security protocols.

1. Manual Verification

While manual checks can be effective in some cases, they are labour-intensive, time-consuming, and less reliable, especially in a fast-paced digital environment.

2. Passwords

Passwords alone are increasingly vulnerable. Users often reuse or choose weak passwords, and fraudsters exploit techniques like phishing to gain access. This alone makes password-only systems insufficient for ATO prevention.

3. Security Questions

Security questions are another commonly used method but are often susceptible to social engineering attacks. Answers to these questions can sometimes be easily guessed or obtained, leading to a higher risk of unauthorised access.

4. SMS Verification

Although SMS-based verification adds a layer of security, it’s vulnerable to interception, particularly through SIM-swapping attacks. Furthermore, reliance on SMS can be problematic for users in low-network areas, causing potential delays or access issues.

Technological Solutions for Overcoming Traditional Shortcomings

In response to the limitations of conventional methods, advanced technological solutions offer more robust protection. From biometric authentication to AI-powered behavioural analysis, these tools enhance security while simplifying the user experience. Smile ID’s cutting-edge solutions, including SmartSelfie™ with active liveness detection, exemplify how technology can transform ATO prevention, ensuring accuracy and convenience.

1. Biometric Authentication

Biometric methods leverage unique physical traits—such as facial recognition and fingerprints—offering a more secure and user-friendly option than traditional passwords. Smile ID’s Biometric Authentication ensures that only verified users gain access to sensitive accounts. This system not only enhances security but also minimises the potential for impersonation.

2. Liveness Detection (Smile ID’s SmartSelfie™)

With the rise of deepfake technology and spoofing tactics, liveness detection is essential. Smile ID’s SmartSelfie™ technology verifies that the biometric data is coming from a live person rather than a static image or spoofed source. This active liveness detection includes prompting users for specific movements or expressions, making it nearly impossible for fraudulent entities to bypass.

3. Behavioural Analysis

Analysing user behaviour over time allows for a nuanced understanding of typical account usage. Deviations from expected behaviour—like an unusual login location—can be flagged for review, adding a layer of monitoring and security.

4. Network and Login Analysis

Monitoring network traffic and login patterns helps detect unusual activity, such as simultaneous logins from distant locations or uncharacteristic data transfers. Smile ID’s solutions can integrate seamlessly with these advanced monitoring systems to provide a more holistic approach to ATO prevention.

How Smile ID’s Solutions Enhance Account Takeover Prevention

Smile ID’s innovative tools go beyond standard fraud prevention, offering multi-layered security through biometrics, liveness detection, and machine learning insights. This section explores how Smile ID’s products empower businesses to tackle ATO fraud comprehensively, enabling seamless user experiences without compromising security. 

1. Biometric Suite for Multi-Layered Authentication

Smile ID’s Biometric Suite, including Enrolment, Authentication, and Compare functionalities, enables African banks to verify users with high accuracy and ease. By using unique identifiers and active liveness detection, the suite ensures that only legitimate users access their accounts.

2. SmartSelfie™ with Active Liveness Detection

Smile ID’s SmartSelfie™ technology, powered by advanced AI and reinforced through daily human validation, goes beyond traditional biometric verification by confirming the presence of a live person. By integrating SmartSelfie™ across mobile and web solutions, Smile ID supports businesses in achieving robust ATO fraud prevention even against sophisticated spoofing.

3. Machine Learning Insights

Smile ID’s biometric solutions are backed by AI-driven insights, continually evolving to address the latest fraud trends. By constantly adapting and refining its algorithms, Smile ID helps businesses detect and respond to fraud faster and more effectively than static systems.

4. Seamless User Experience

In addition to enhancing security, Smile ID's Biometric Authentication and SmartSelfie™ ensure a smooth user experience. They offer a one-step verification that’s faster and more convenient than traditional methods, which often require users to remember complex passwords or security questions.

Wrapping Up 

As African businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, Account Takeover (ATO) fraud remains a significant threat. We've seen how this form of fraud can escalate quickly, causing extensive financial damage and eroding customer trust. From understanding how cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities to adopting proactive, AI-powered defences, protecting your business requires both awareness and action.

Throughout this guide, we explored the high costs of ATO fraud and the limitations of traditional security methods. With Smile ID's advanced biometric solutions, businesses gain the tools to detect and prevent fraud without compromising the customer experience. 

Real-life cases of substantial financial loss highlight the urgent need for businesses to step up their security measures. By implementing Smile ID's Biometric authentication powered by our proprietary active liveness feature Smartselfie™, your company can take meaningful steps to safeguard against ATO and maintain a trusted relationship with customers.

Ready to see Smile ID's technology in action? Book a demo today