Industry News & Thought Leadership

The Value of Network Authentication for Enterprises

As we stated in our last blog post, the fraud landscape is constantly evolving with the increasing sophistication of criminals. This presents ongoing challenges for enterprises to protect their business and customers from nefarious actors.

Tides of Change

Around the world, there is a notable shift happening in how security and authentication are approached. Two-factor authentication has been a leading option to protect accounts for many years. It provides an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two different forms of identification. This is often a password and a code (OTP or one-time password) sent to a user’s mobile device or email (shudder again!).

While effective for a long time, the tides are changing, and a wave of innovation in authentication is developing to keep pace with evolving threats. This is driven by the need to combat increasingly sophisticated fraud and deliver a more seamless user experience. In some areas of the world, financial institutions are encouraged to eliminate weak authentication methods, including SMS and email one-time passwords.

Security & Authentication

Network authentication via telco APIs becomes increasingly valuable as security and authentication methods change. It provides a more secure means of authentication by verifying user identity through their mobile network. This helps protect accounts from unauthorized access and evolving fraud techniques, safeguarding brands and their reputations in today’s digital world.

Network authentication is a foundational element of mobile operations, acting as a crucial barrier to verifying the identity of users and devices and preventing unauthorized access to a carrier network. Preventing unauthorized access reduces the attack surface and makes it more difficult for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities.

In the interest of fraud prevention, most global regulations allow carriers to expose access to specific network elements for authentication to 3rd party enterprise applications, often with a simple update to privacy language and without explicit user consent. 

The key here is that access to the information must be secure and not expose any PII (personally identifiable information).

Value Beyond Security

Strengthening authentication practices is crucial for brands to ensure robust security and fraud prevention, and demonstrating a strong commitment to user data protection. It's not just about keeping the bad guys out and stopping fraud; it's also about showing customers you care about their data. When people know you're serious about protecting their info, they're more likely to trust you and feel good about sharing things online.

Let’s also discuss account access. Logins should be smooth and easy. Network authentication helps make that happen, providing seamless verification without requiring users to enter PINs or OTPs. Seriously, who has time for clunky logins and OTPs these days when everyone expects things to work instantly? Reducing friction is key to keeping people happy.

So what are you waiting for?

Still on the fence about Network authentication? It's a must-have for any brand wanting to keep things safe—think assets, customer info, the whole shebang. It's your primary defense against fraud; honestly, it makes your customers feel they can trust you. That trust? It builds loyalty. It's a win-win for your brand's good name and keeping people happy.

To learn more about how you can access this powerful data for your fraud prevention practices, fill out our contact form, email info@shush.pw, or message us on LinkedIn. 

The Value of Network Authentication for MNOs

Fraud & Cybercrime is the third largest global economy after the US and China. This is mind-blowing!

As we are all painfully aware, the fraud landscape is constantly evolving with increasing sophistication from criminals. This presents ongoing challenges for enterprises to protect their businesses and their customers from nefarious actors. On the flip side, it also opens the door to an opportunity for Mobile Network Operators to help. 

Global Shift

Global SMS revenues are declining, and SMS OTP volumes continue to drop year-over-year, being cannibalized by over-the-top providers (like WhatsApp), authenticator apps, and even email (shudder!). At the same time, fraud continues to rise, and enterprises are looking for more secure authentication methods that address increasingly sophisticated fraud without negatively impacting the customer experience. 

Meanwhile, a shift towards digital identity represents a significant business opportunity for MNOs to re-establish themselves as players within the digital ecosystem.

Where to Start

MNOs are uniquely positioned to provide better fraud prevention alternatives to enterprises, while adding a new revenue stream, but often lack the time, money, people, or market knowledge to deliver a robust network authorization solution.

Additionally, MNOs are unsure where to start with Network APIs. First, let’s define them.

Network APIs allow applications to send requests to network services via predefined endpoints within the network infrastructure to retrieve or manage the requested data, offering seamless integration between different services and applications.

There are only two types of Network APIs.  NaaS APIs used for enhanced communication services like edge computing, network slicing and Network Authentication APIs used for fraud prevention. 

Network Authentication is a Carrier service that passes network signals to Enterprise applications so they can assess whether a user still has control over their device. These unique and differentiated network signals include Silent Authentication, SIM Swap, Roaming, Port-Out, Device Status, and Account Status indicators. Enterprises that receive these real-time values then independently assess the risk of letting a user into a digital account. Major US Banks have been using Network Authentication services for years at scale to thwart mobile fraud.

The Time is Now for Network Authentication APIs

Market studies show that the value of network APIs will reach US$34 billion by 2030, with nearly half being attributed to Subscriber Identity (Network Auth) APIs.

In the short term, network authentication APIs capture 97% of the current $12B+ API market opportunity.

The market exists today for Network Auth APIs, while other API markets are still under construction. NaaS APIs (like QoD) are in the nascent stages of commercial availability and market adoption. 

Of course, there is value in NaaS APIs, but the time is now for Network Authentication. 

Are you unsure how to get started?  We’d be happy to help. Fill out our contact form, email info@shush.pw, or message us on LinkedIn. 

Uncover how 5G APIs are revolutionizing the IoT core landscape and creating a $900 billion opportunity for the telecom industry.

The Impact of 5G APIs on IoT Core

The impact of 5G APIs on IoT Core is significant. With the introduction of 5G technology, the potential for innovation and efficiency in the IoT core landscape has skyrocketed. 5G APIs provide developers with the tools and resources they need to build and deploy IoT applications at scale, enabling seamless connectivity and real-time data processing.

By leveraging 5G APIs, IoT devices can communicate and interact with each other more efficiently, leading to improved overall performance and reliability. The high-speed, low-latency nature of 5G networks allows for faster data transmission and reduced response times, enabling real-time monitoring, control, and analysis of IoT devices.

Moreover, 5G APIs unlock new possibilities for IoT applications in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and smart cities. They enable the integration of IoT devices with other emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and edge computing, creating a powerful ecosystem of connected devices and services.

Overall, the impact of 5G APIs on IoT Core is transformative. It opens up new avenues for innovation, enhances operational efficiency, and drives the growth of the IoT industry.

Driving Innovation and Efficiency

5G APIs are driving innovation and efficiency in the telecom industry. By providing developers with standardized interfaces and protocols, 5G APIs simplify the development process and accelerate the deployment of IoT applications.

With 5G APIs, developers can easily access and utilize the advanced features and capabilities of 5G networks, such as network slicing, edge computing, and massive IoT connectivity. This enables them to create innovative solutions that leverage the full potential of 5G technology.

Furthermore, 5G APIs enable efficient resource management and optimization. They allow for dynamic allocation of network resources based on application requirements, ensuring optimal performance and utilization of network resources.

In addition, 5G APIs facilitate seamless integration and interoperability between different IoT devices and platforms. They provide a common language for communication and data exchange, eliminating compatibility issues and enabling a unified IoT ecosystem.

Overall, 5G APIs play a crucial role in driving innovation and efficiency in the telecom industry, empowering developers to create groundbreaking IoT solutions and unlocking new opportunities for growth and revenue.

Monetizing 5G APIs in the Telecom Industry

The monetization of 5G APIs presents a significant opportunity for the telecom industry. By offering 5G APIs as a service, telecom operators can generate new revenue streams and tap into the growing demand for IoT solutions.

Telecom operators can monetize 5G APIs through various models, such as API subscriptions, usage-based pricing, and revenue sharing with developers. By providing developers with access to 5G APIs, telecom operators can enable the creation of innovative IoT applications and charge for the usage of their APIs.

Moreover, telecom operators can offer value-added services on top of their 5G APIs, such as analytics, security, and management tools. These services can provide additional revenue streams and create differentiation in the market.

Furthermore, telecom operators can leverage 5G APIs to enable new business models and partnerships. They can collaborate with IoT solution providers, device manufacturers, and other ecosystem players to create bundled offerings and joint go-to-market strategies.

In summary, the monetization of 5G APIs presents a significant opportunity for telecom operators to generate revenue, foster innovation, and strengthen their position in the IoT market.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While 5G APIs offer immense opportunities, they also come with certain challenges. One of the main challenges is the complexity of integrating and managing diverse IoT devices and platforms. Ensuring seamless interoperability and compatibility across different technologies and vendors requires careful planning and coordination.

Another challenge is the security and privacy of IoT data. With the increasing number of connected devices and the massive amount of data generated, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of IoT data becomes crucial. Robust security measures and protocols need to be in place to protect against cyber threats and unauthorized access.

Furthermore, the deployment and implementation of 5G networks and infrastructure require significant investments and upgrades. Telecom operators need to invest in building the necessary infrastructure, including base stations, antennas, and network equipment, to support 5G connectivity.

Despite these challenges, there are abundant opportunities ahead. The adoption of 5G technology and the proliferation of IoT devices create a fertile ground for innovation and business growth. By leveraging 5G APIs, businesses can unlock new revenue streams, improve operational efficiency, and deliver enhanced customer experiences.

Moreover, the combination of 5G APIs with other emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and edge computing, opens up new possibilities for value creation and differentiation. Businesses can leverage these technologies to develop intelligent and autonomous IoT solutions that drive efficiency, productivity, and innovation.

In conclusion, while there are challenges to overcome, the opportunities presented by 5G APIs and the IoT are immense. Businesses that embrace these technologies and adapt to the changing landscape will be well-positioned to thrive in the telecom industry.

Future Outlook and Trends

The future outlook for 5G APIs and the IoT is promising. As 5G networks continue to roll out globally and IoT adoption accelerates, the demand for 5G APIs is expected to soar.

One of the key trends in the future is the convergence of 5G, IoT, and edge computing. With the proliferation of edge devices and the need for real-time data processing, edge computing becomes crucial. 5G APIs will play a vital role in enabling seamless connectivity and data exchange between edge devices, cloud platforms, and IoT applications.

Another trend is the integration of 5G APIs with artificial intelligence and machine learning. By combining the power of 5G networks with AI and ML algorithms, businesses can leverage real-time data analytics and insights to drive intelligent decision-making and automation.

Furthermore, the emergence of industry-specific IoT standards and frameworks will shape the future of 5G APIs. As different industries adopt IoT solutions, industry-specific APIs and protocols will be developed to address the unique requirements and challenges of each sector.

In summary, the future of 5G APIs and the IoT is characterized by convergence, intelligence, and industry-specific solutions. Businesses that stay ahead of these trends and embrace the opportunities they bring will be well-positioned to thrive in the rapidly evolving telecom industry.