ACH payment security improves, still needs more work

While several advancements in debt collection and payment processing technologies have yielded a more efficient market for businesses and creditors, security has been a difficult task for many. BankInfoSecurity recently reported that online fraud has been a pesky force for many banks, and even more so for companies which have not had as much control. However, security did show substantial improvement between 2010 and 2011, specifically regarding Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments. The news provider explained that the total loss of money because of ACH fraud decreased from $3.12 million throughout 2010 to under $800,000 through June of 2011. According to the source, assessments by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Electronic Payments Association resulted in more stringent authentication and detection standards on the bank's end, though lowered the rights affiliated businesses have regarding data. Still, businesses and financial institutions need to ensure that all electronic payments are secure, as the risk can be all-but-abolished with savvy and consistent safety practices. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, the banking and financial sectors have experienced nine breaches so far this year, which sets a much better record for 2012 than 2011.