Meet Iryna Bondar: Insights on digital identity fraud prevention

To get readers up to speed, let's talk about life in Estonia. How did you decide to move here? 

I did my bachelor's degree in Ukraine in the Telecommunications field. After graduating, I realized that what I was doing just wasn’t for me. I knew I needed a change and wanted to figure out what direction I truly wanted to take. So, I started exploring different options, both in Ukraine and abroad. After some research, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in Cyber Security Engineering at Tallinn University of Technology. I applied to the two-year program and was thrilled to be accepted. That’s how my journey in Estonia began, and it’s been a whole new chapter in my life!

Tell us about your international life in Tallinn.

Living in Tallinn has been an incredibly exciting journey for me. Right from the start, I got to meet people from all over the world, immersing myself in different cultures and perspectives—it’s been such a rewarding experience. My university made the transition even better by organizing fun events for international students, like international dinners and group trips around Estonia. Those moments really helped me form meaningful connections.  

However, after graduation, many of my friends moved away from Estonia, and I found myself facing the challenge of building new social circles as an adult. It’s not always easy, but Tallinn is a city full of opportunities for both locals and expats to connect. Personally, I’ve found a lot of joy in joining board game nights and discovering a new passion for social dancing—two activities that have introduced me to some amazing people. Whether you’re new to the city or have been here for a while, there’s always something to help you feel part of the community.

What's the story behind getting your first professional job in your field?

Towards the end of my studies at TalTech, I started working as a Support Service Operator at a company in the gambling industry. This role was my first introduction to the world of KYC processes and digital fraud. My main responsibility was verifying customer identities and ensuring compliance with KYC regulations during the account opening process.

Later, I was promoted to Operations Coordinator, which brought new responsibilities and challenges, especially when it came to working with high-risk clients. This role gave me a deeper understanding of how crucial KYC procedures are for protecting both businesses and individuals from the threats posed by identity fraud. My time in this industry helped me appreciate how vital it is to build trust and ensure security online.

I was looking into different growth opportunities at that time. I wanted to learn more about the field I was working in and understand more insights about this industry. 

Veriff, on the other hand, had a very bright presence on social media. It got me hooked, and I started researching more about the company. Its mission very much resonated with my personal values, and I was really interested in what the company was doing. 

So, it was a very easy decision for me to apply for the job at Veriff. Luckily, my interview process was successful, and I started working at Veriff in early 2019.

Veriff Summer Week, 2024

How did you find your way to Veriff and its identity verification services?

At the time, I was exploring opportunities to grow and deepen my understanding of digital identity fraud and the protection of digital identities. I wanted to gain more insights and broaden my expertise. That’s when I came across Veriff, which had a strong and engaging presence on social media that immediately caught my attention. The more I researched the company, the more I connected with its mission and values—they really aligned with my own. Applying for a job here felt like a natural next step. Fortunately, the interview process went well, and I was thrilled to start my journey at Veriff in early 2019.

Which one of Veriff's values related to digital identities resonates with you the most?

If I had to choose one, I would go with "We are a force for good." For me, it’s essential to work on something that I truly believe in and that has a meaningful impact on a larger scale. I really appreciate that everyone in Veriff is motivated by the shared goal of making the digital world safer for everyone.

How would you explain digital identity verification?

Digital identity verification is the process of verifying an individual’s identity using digital technologies. This can include biometric authentication, behavioral analysis, and artificial intelligence. Digital identity verification is essential for preventing online fraud and identity theft, as it ensures that individuals are who they claim to be. Businesses can use digital identity verification solutions to onboard legitimate customers, reduce fraud risk, and improve the overall customer experience.

How do you understand identity fraud and the impact it can have on individuals and businesses?

Identity fraud is a type of cybercrime where an individual’s personal information is stolen and used to impersonate them. This can include sensitive information such as social security numbers, credit card numbers, and dates of birth. Identity fraud can be used to commit various types of crimes, including financial identity theft, tax identity theft, and synthetic identity theft. It is essential for businesses and individuals to understand therisks of identity fraud and take proactive measures to prevent it.

What role does the Fraud Group Team have in Veriff?

The Fraud Group Team at Veriff plays a crucial role in preventing online fraud and identity theft. The team is responsible for developing and implementing advanced fraud detection and prevention solutions that help businesses verify the identities of their customers. The team uses machine learning algorithms and data analytics to identify and flag suspicious activity, ensuring that legitimate customers are not mistakenly flagged as fraudulent. By working closely with the Fraud Group Team, businesses can reduce their risk of falling victim to online fraud and identity theft.

What are the biggest challenges for you in being a Senior Fraud Group Manager at Veriff?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was building my team from the ground up and ensuring its growth was sustainable over the years. Within about two years, our Fraud Group team expanded from just two people to a team of 12. Along the way, it was also challenging to coordinate the different sub-teams and keep everyone aligned and working toward the same goals, especially with the growing threat of synthetic identities. Collaboration with Veriff’s product and engineering teams played a crucial role in our success, as maintaining strong communication and alignment across departments was essential.

What role does the Fraud Group Team play in Veriff in combating synthetic identity fraud?

As a member of the Fraud team, my primary responsibility is to ensure that we stay one step ahead of fraudsters. Since it’s a continuous cat-and-mouse game, if we’re not ahead, it’s my job to ensure we do everything necessary to get there and that my team has the tools and resources to succeed.

I work closely with various internal stakeholders to identify potential vulnerabilities and fill in any fraud-related blind spots. This involves coordinating efforts to implement preventive measures that help minimize risks.

The Fraud Group team, in close collaboration with engineering and other product teams, is responsible for analyzing the real-world performance of our fraud prevention services, including combating synthetic identity fraud. We gather actionable data to quickly adapt strategies and countermeasures to optimize performance. This feedback loop is essential, as it provides valuable insights that are shared with the product and engineering teams to further enhance our systems. Ultimately, we monitor the traffic, respond to emerging fraud patterns, and continuously improve our preventive measures to ensure everything remains secure and under control.

Give us some advice on fraud prevention.

Staying vigilant in fraud prevention is crucial for businesses and individuals. This includes regularly monitoring bank statements and credit reports for suspicious activity, being cautious when receiving requests or posting personal information online, and implementing two-factor authentication and password managers. Additionally, businesses can use advanced fraud detection and prevention solutions, such as those offered by Veriff, to identify and flag suspicious activity. By staying vigilant and taking proactive measures, businesses and individuals can reduce their risk of falling victim to online fraud and identity theft.

Thanks for the answers! Let's move on to the rapid fire questions now. 

Tell us about your hobbies.

I absolutely love traveling and capturing all the amazing sights around me, whether it’s with my phone or my camera. Iceland has definitely been my favorite destination so far, and I’m already looking forward to going back one day! 

When I’m not exploring, I enjoy staying active by biking, playing badminton, and dancing. I also love to unwind by drawing and organizing fun board game nights with friends.

Skógafoss waterfall, Iceland

What is a “Must Read” book for you?

When it comes to fiction, one book that really stands out to me is “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding. This powerful, allegorical novel delves into the dark side of human nature, showing how quickly society can unravel when there is no structure, order, or morality. The way it explores the descent into savagery is both gripping and thought-provoking, and it serves as a stark reminder of the thin line that separates civilization from chaos.  

On the non-fiction side, I really enjoyed “Lab Rats: How Silicon Valley Made Work Miserable for the Rest of Us” by Dan Lyons. It’s a fascinating and eye-opening look at the modern work culture, particularly in tech, and it raises important questions about the systems that shape our careers today. The book highlights the often toxic dynamics that have emerged in Silicon Valley and the broader implications these trends have on workers across the world. The author does an excellent job of blending humor with critical insights, making it both engaging and deeply relevant in today’s world.

What is your favorite podcast?

I really enjoy listening to podcasts, especially ones that dive into relevant topics of today, like the buzz around AI and its implications. One of my favorites is “Data Knightmare”, which explores the world of big data and privacy issues. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at some of the biggest challenges in managing personal and sensitive data. I also enjoy listening to a podcast that features anonymous fraudsters sharing their stories—talking about how they got into fraud, what motivated them, and the obstacles they faced. It’s a unique perspective that’s both fascinating and thought-provoking.  

In addition to those, I love listening to Ukrainian podcasts that cover a wide range of topics, from history and politics to culture. They’re a great way for me to stay connected to my roots.

Mac or PC?

I’ve never used any Apple products, so I’d go for a PC. I’m just more used to it, and honestly, it gets the job done without any extra fanfare.

What would be your advice to everyone who wants to kick start their career in this field and apply to join your team?

I believe it’s essential to stay up-to-date with everything happening in the fraud world and understand how current events shape the landscape. For example, during the pandemic, online identity fraud rates surged, and it was easy to see why. At the same time, building your network in the industry is key—talking to others and sharing insights helps you stay informed. It’s easier to reach new career goals when you have strong connections to help guide you in the right direction. Stay curious, ask questions, and learn from industry leaders to keep growing and adapting.