Fighting counterfeits in the digital world

According to a report by 'Women in Tech,' only 24% of cyber security employees worldwide are women. This statistic underscores the pressing need for diversity in the industry and highlights the challenges faced by women who venture into this male-dominated field.

Here, Sheryl Miles talks to Rachel Jones, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of SnapDragon Monitoring, at the Cyber Expo, a renowned platform for cyber security professionals, where she shed light on the multifaceted world of cyber security and the uphill battle of combating counterfeit products in the digital realm.

The real-world impact of counterfeit products

Counterfeit products and software in the digital world inflict real-world harm on unsuspecting customers.

“Every day unsuspecting customers are hurt and sometimes maimed for life by fake beauty products or fake components, from car airbags to fake and faulty charging cables for tech.”

The consequences of counterfeit products are severe, which not only compromises user safety but also erodes trust in brands. As Jones aptly puts it: "Imitation is not flattery."

The birth of SnapDragon monitoring

Rachel's journey into the world of combating counterfeit goods in the digital space began with a personal experience. Discovering that her own invention, a baby product, had been counterfeited, ignited a fire within her.

“The fury I experienced in discovering my own invention had been counterfeited is what spurred me into action. I didn’t have a background in manufacturing, or brand protection, but I had protected the product’s intellectual property when I invented it, registering trademarks, and design rights, so, when fakes were discovered, I needed to – and was able to – use intellectual property to defend the brand and the business.”

This proved pivotal when her product faced counterfeits. Customs Officials alerted her to a container of counterfeit products, setting her on a path to tackle this pervasive problem.

Her determination led her to China, where she learned how to remove fakes from the Alibaba selling platform. Armed with newfound knowledge, she returned to the UK, built proprietary technology, and collaborated with brands worldwide to combat online threats. Her story highlights the need for resilience and resourcefulness – qualities needed to traverse the challenges of the cyber security industry.

Challenges faced by women in tech

Jones' journey wasn't without its share of hurdles. She navigated through male-dominated industries throughout her career, but it was raising funds in the male-dominated world of investment that proved to be the most formidable challenge.

Her advice to aspiring women tech entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful: "Go for it." Women's unique perspectives and skills can thrive in the tech industry, just as they have excelled in other sectors. Taking that leap of faith is better than perpetually wondering: "What if?"

The link between cyber and brand protection

Participating in the Cyber Expo, Jones aimed to explore the intersection of cyber security and brand protection, a crucial connection that is often overlooked. Counterfeit products are becoming increasingly sophisticated, encompassing fake websites, fake professional service firms generating invoices, and misuse of trademarks in NFTs.

SnapDragon's approach to detecting and combating counterfeits

SnapDragon Monitoring employs a vigilant approach, monitoring over 250 marketplaces for infringements of clients' intellectual property rights. They utilise the original intellectual property to remove counterfeit items, sellers, links, or websites. Language skills play a pivotal role, as communication with clients and platforms often requires multilingual proficiency. Swift removal of infringing links is crucial, as it minimises potential harm.

Additionally, SnapDragon Monitoring seeks to understand their clients' supply and distribution chains, identifying vulnerabilities that counterfeit infiltrations exploit. Counterfeits have been known to fund illicit activities, making brand protection an ethical imperative.

“From the point of view of fakes in the supply chain, we always seek to understand our customers’ supply and distribution chains so appropriate questions can be asked about why a shipment was delayed, or diverted, or why more stock arrived than might have been expected. This enables questions to be raised about the potential for mixed stock (genuine plus counterfeit) and the identification of parallel supply chains which no brand wants to encourage or accommodate.”

The role of technology in security

Jones highlights the vulnerability of businesses without direct factory relationships. Erratic and poorly managed distribution further compounds the risk, as it obscures the flow of genuine products and fosters the entry of counterfeit goods.

Technology, particularly AI and blockchain, plays a vital role in enhancing digital product and supply chain security. AI aids in categorising infringements, while blockchain establishes a transparent chain of custody for more expensive products. However, authentication methods are more effective for physical inspections than online environments.

The future of counterfeit monitoring and prevention

“Nowadays, I believe any product and in any industry is unfortunately open to abuse.”

Counterfeiting is no longer limited to luxury goods. In the digital age, any product with an online presence, manufactured offshore, and distributed globally is susceptible to counterfeits. The threat is indiscriminate, affecting SMEs and multinational corporations alike.

Jones emphasises the need for vigilance in an ever-evolving landscape. Fraudsters constantly adapt, necessitating heightened awareness from both consumers and businesses. Regular monitoring for infringements, employee training to prevent phishing attacks, and staying ahead of the curve are essential strategies.

With counterfeiting being a global issue, businesses must consistently monitor and remove infringements across borders. The capacity to do so, whether in-house or through a dedicated service like SnapDragon Monitoring, is essential. Neglecting this aspect can lead to distractions that hinder business operations.

Protect yourself, your business, your reputation

Jones leaves with a resounding message: "Imitation is not flattery."

When encountering counterfeits, swift action is imperative. “Protect yourself, your business, your reputation and, most importantly, your customers.”

Jones' journey from a personal encounter with counterfeits to leading SnapDragon Monitoring in the battle against counterfeit products demonstrates the potential for women in the tech industry.

Her story is a source of inspiration, showcasing how determination and innovation can address the challenges of the cyber security industry while safeguarding consumers from the perils of counterfeit goods in the digital realm.