Innovations in the social sector of the economy
The digital transformation of the social sector is gaining momentum, introducing modern technologies into the daily lives of citizens. The key areas of development are the digitalization of services, artificial intelligence, telemedicine solutions, inclusive technologies, blockchain systems and the Internet of Things.
Digitalization of services includes the creation of electronic platforms for obtaining public services, online services and digital educational resources.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is used in many areas: for early diagnosis in medicine, personalization of educational programs, analysis of big data to identify social needs, etc.
Telemedicine solutions allow for remote consultations and health monitoring.
Inclusion technologies involve the development of specialized gadgets and platforms for people with disabilities.
Blockchain is used to increase transparency and resistance to fraud in social support systems.
The Internet of Things (IoT) provides monitoring of the health and safety of citizens.
Advantages and challenges of technological innovations
Innovative technologies significantly increase the accessibility and quality of social services. For example, online platforms and electronic services allow citizens to receive services remotely, which is especially important for people with limited mobility and vulnerable groups of the population, as well as residents of remote regions. As for quality, automation of processes, data analysis and personalized services make assistance more targeted, reduce bureaucracy and waiting times.
At the same time, the digital divide between different areas and cities and the lack of digital literacy of certain segments of the population can create new barriers for some citizens. For example, the introduction and use of Gosuslugi among the older generation initially caused difficulties due to ignorance of the principles of using such platforms and the lack of skills in using Internet platforms.
In addition, a certain difficulty is caused by distrust of such services, often caused by messages in the information field about fraudulent activities with user accounts.
Fraud in the digital age
Technological risks grow in parallel with the development of digital services. Modern fraudsters use a wide variety of tools aimed at deceiving users or illegally obtaining their personal data. Here are some of the most popular tools:
Social engineering: using fake calls (vishing), often with spoofing the number to an official one, to inspire confidence; sending SMS messages (smishing), phishing by e-mail and through social networks to obtain personal data or money.
Automation of attacks: mass calls and mailings aimed at broad groups of the population, creating fake websites and applications that mimic official services of social services, which catch the bait and collect data.
Account hacking: gaining access to personal data and contacts allows fraudsters to contact victims on behalf of acquaintances or official organizations.
Deepfake: a technology for creating convincingly looking deceptive videos or audios that are created using artificial intelligence. Fraudsters generate voice or video messages that mimic acquaintances or employees of trusted organizations.
Integration with other channels: fraudsters combine calls with messages in messengers and social networks to increase trust.
Protection against digital fraud
A comprehensive approach to security includes technological solutions, educational work and legislative measures.
Technological solutions work to prevent, detect and minimize the consequences of fraudulent activities. It is necessary to act in several directions at the same time to ensure the protection of data of organizations and users.
● Control and monitoring: automatic analysis of transactions and user actions to identify suspicious transactions.
● Implementation of protective mechanisms: two-factor authentication, biometrics, anti-fraud systems.
● Feedback and support: quick response to citizens' appeals, the ability to quickly block fraudulent accounts and numbers.
● Ensuring transparency: the use of blockchain and other technologies to record and track operations, which makes it difficult to falsify data.
It is equally important to ensure interaction between the state, business and NGOs to exchange experience and coordinate efforts. These efforts should be supported legislatively: it is necessary to tighten penalties and improve legislation in the field of cybersecurity, designed to help minimize the spread of fraud in Russia.
Education and informing the public about new fraud schemes should also reduce both the number of cyber fraud cases and their consequences. Here are just a few examples of actions that can be taken:
● Conducting information campaigns through the media, social networks, government portals, and educational institutions.
● Digital literacy training: special courses for different age groups, especially for the elderly. "Cybersecurity" offers a special class of products for this purpose — Security Awareness.
● Integration of warnings: automatic notifications and instructions in digital services when attempting suspicious actions.
● Implementing AI at various stages of the chain of a fraudster reaching their victim, so that at each stage the probability of the fraudster achieving the ultimate goal tends to zero.
Conclusion
Digitalization of the social sector opens up wide opportunities for improving the quality of life of citizens. However, along with the advantages, new security threats appear. Effective protection requires continuous improvement of technologies, increasing digital literacy of the population, and close interaction of all participants in the process. Only a comprehensive approach will ensure the safety of citizens in the context of the digital transformation of the social sector.
Maxim Bolshakov,
Head of Security Direction, EdgeЦентр