Real-Time Defense: VB Bank Deploys New Cybersecurity Technologies to Counter Threats
VB Bank, owned by the Wildberries marketplace, has integrated advanced cybersecurity tools to combat cyberthreats and monitor transactions in real time. The move supports continuous oversight of financial activity across the platform. Artyom Gyammer, the bank’s Director of Information Security, said the strengthened defenses reflect rapid expansion of its digital infrastructure and growing transaction volumes.
Fintech Convergence Reshapes the Sector
The deployment highlights an ongoing transformation within Russia’s financial sector. Banks embedded in e-commerce ecosystems are increasingly integrating IT solutions at the intersection of online retail and fintech platforms. VB Bank can be viewed as one of the fastest-growing financial services linked to a major marketplace, scaling its infrastructure to meet market demand.
Enhanced cybersecurity controls signal technological maturity and reinforce public trust in digital financial services. Such initiatives mitigate fraud and data breach risks in critical e-commerce segments while aligning with global standards for secure online banking and platform-based financial ecosystems.
Regulatory Pressure and Market Dynamics
While the immediate focus is strengthening domestic digital platforms rather than exporting IT products, higher security standards may improve the international competitiveness of Russian fintech solutions. This is particularly relevant in CIS markets, where the Wildberries ecosystem continues to expand.
VB Bank’s case could serve as a reference model for fintech units within other marketplaces, encouraging broader adoption of real-time transaction analysis systems. As Russia advances its digital economy agenda, demand for sophisticated antifraud solutions is expected to grow, alongside tighter government requirements for personal data protection. The initiative also reflects a global shift toward embedding machine learning and AI into banking security systems, now standard practice at major financial institutions worldwide.
Rising Attack Volumes Drive Defensive Innovation
In 2024, marketplace-affiliated banks opened 57 million electronic wallets and issued payment cards, nearly 2.3 times more than the 24 million cards issued in 2023.
At the same time, cyberattacks, fraud, and financial scams are increasing, prompting banks to implement real-time monitoring and protection systems. According to Kaspersky data for 2024, phishing accounted for 24% of all cyber incidents. In the third quarter of 2024, fraudulent transactions targeting Russian accounts reached a record 9.2 billion rubles.
In response, banks are deploying AI-driven antifraud platforms to analyze transactions. Detection methodologies are continuously updated to address emerging threat vectors, including refreshed algorithms, expanded fraud datasets, and analysis of newly identified scam patterns. Since July 25, 2024, legislation has required banks to suspend transfers for two days if recipient details appear in the Bank of Russia database of confirmed or attempted fraudulent operations.
Analysts also note cybersecurity risks among small and medium-sized businesses, which often lack sufficient resources and security expertise. According to Cyberdom, 34% of Russian SMEs have experienced cyberattacks, and one in ten has faced repeated incidents over the past two years. Recommended measures include implementing multi-factor authentication, maintaining secure backups, and training employees in cybersecurity hygiene.
Security as Competitive Strategy
In digital finance markets, security is increasingly a competitive differentiator. The Wildberries example demonstrates how instant transaction analytics can directly strengthen customer confidence. Platforms seeking leadership positions must treat cybersecurity investment as strategic infrastructure.
Experts in Russia anticipate widespread deployment of intelligent security systems across large financial institutions. Artificial intelligence and big data analytics are expected to play central roles in technological advancement. Additional legislative initiatives aimed at tightening data protection standards are also likely.
