Financial Crime World

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Identity Theft Epidemic Hits Banking Sector in Serbia and Montenegro

A surge in trusted electronic banking services has been observed in Serbia, with over 20,000 broker companies and other legal persons using secure remote electronic payment services through commercial banks and the National Bank of Serbia. The boom in digital transactions has raised concerns about identity theft, as sensitive financial information is being transmitted online.

Secure Transactions

The majority of these electronic financial services use a trusted web financial portal, which provides a high level of security and customization capabilities. Digital certificates are issued by banks themselves or through outsourcing Certification Authority schemes. However, the rapid growth of e-banking has created an environment ripe for identity theft.

Experts Warn

Experts warn that the lack of adequate security measures in some cases can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive financial data. “The increasing reliance on digital transactions creates a heightened risk of identity theft,” said Zoran Savić, an expert from the National Bank of Serbia’s Information Security Department. “It is crucial that banks and other financial institutions implement robust security measures to protect their customers’ personal information.”

Digital Signatures and Certificates

The use of digital signatures, envelopes, and PKI-based certificates has been touted as a secure solution for e-banking transactions. However, with identity theft on the rise, it remains to be seen whether these measures will be sufficient to prevent widespread fraud.