Identity fraud crime may be dropping slightly, according to new research, but it still remains a significant issue for U.S. consumers. A new report shows that consumers are less likely to return to — a direct concern for midsize businesses.

The number of fraud victims decreased to 12.7 million in 2014, down from 13.1 million in 2013, a 2015 Identity Fraud Study from Javelin Strategy and Research, featured in Security Week, found. Losses dropped, as well, from $18 to $16 billion. However, identity fraud is still a prominent issue. The study found that it may take up to a year for victims to realize they are a victim.

Twenty-eight percent of the 5,000 fraud victims surveyed went on to avoid merchants associated with the fraud — a statistic that directly affects businesses. To boot, victims whose credit accounts were compromised in the past year were nearly three times more likely to fall victim to identity fraud.

Identity fraud incidents can affect a business's reputation and bottom line, and midsize businesses have more at stake than their larger counterparts. Many smaller businesses lack the sophisticated security controls that large enterprises can afford, relying instead on a small team of IT leaders that are constantly pressed for time and resources. There may exist a lack of knowledge about available security tools for fighting fraud. This is where vendor solutions can come into play and fill any knowledge gaps. Without the right securitytools and strategy in place, customers and business partners are at risk of having their sensitive data stolen, resulting in a loss of business and customer loyalty.

Despite a reported decrease in identity fraud incidences and costs, firms across all industries should remain vigilant in their security efforts. IT professionals at midsize firms can deter existing fraud threats by implementing workforce policies so employees and management understand their roles in preventing cybercrime. Educational programs can go a long way in assuring a business' partners and customers that the best identity fraud crime precautions are being taken.

Technologies are available to protect against, detect and resolve identity fraud crime. For example, IT leaders can invest in multilayered protection to protect company devices against malware infections and phishing attacks. Web browser protection that prevents tampering with customer transactions is also available. Other software specifically protects against phishing attempts that aim to steal login credentials.