Checkout.com and MRC Team Up to Tackle Fraud and Cybersecurity Threats with New Online Course

The rise of digital payments has opened up new opportunities, but it also comes with increasing risks, particularly in the form of online fraud and cyberattacks. To help professionals in the payments industry stay ahead of these evolving threats, Checkout.com has partnered with the Merchant Risk Council (MRC) to launch an innovative new course: Fraud Essentials.

This course, which debuted at MRC San Diego, is designed to give payment professionals the tools they need to combat fraud and enhance cybersecurity practices. It's part of a broader initiative that aims to educate industry professionals on the latest tactics used by fraudsters and to provide actionable strategies to safeguard businesses.

What makes Fraud Essentials particularly valuable is its accessibility. Offered free to all MRC members, the course delivers a comprehensive overview of digital fraud tactics, equipping participants with essential skills to protect their organizations. It's the second in a series of educational programs developed in partnership with MRC, building on the success of the earlier Payment Essentials course.

The need for this kind of education has never been greater. According to research by PYMNTS Intelligence, 82% of U.S. e-commerce merchants experienced cyber or data breaches in 2023. This highlights the growing sophistication of online threats and the critical need for businesses to bolster their defenses.

Rory O’Neill, Chief Marketing Officer at Checkout.com, emphasized the importance of education in this rapidly changing landscape: “As the world continues to shift toward a digital-first economy, businesses must equip themselves with the expertise to manage both risk and innovation. Our partnership with the MRC is a key step toward making advanced payment education accessible to all.”

The MRC, a global non-profit focused on fraud prevention, payment processing, and risk management, shares this vision. Julie Fergerson, CEO of the Merchant Risk Council, added: “As e-commerce grows, so does the threat of online fraud. Our Fraud Essentials course empowers fraud specialists, payment professionals, and e-commerce experts with the knowledge they need to fight back and protect their businesses."

With fraud prevention becoming more critical to long-term success in the digital economy, Checkout.com and MRC are providing the tools needed to foster a safer and more resilient payments ecosystem.

This new course is a must for professionals who want to stay ahead of fraud and ensure the security of their payment systems, making it a vital resource in today’s fast-paced, high-risk digital environment.