#17 - Yinglian Xie, CEO & Co-Founder at DataVisor

Yinglian Xie: Visionary in Fraud Detection

Dr. Yinglian Xie, CEO and Co-Founder of DataVisor, brings an impressive academic and professional background to the fight against cyber fraud. After earning her PhD in computer science from Carnegie Mellon University, she spent years at Microsoft Research addressing large-scale fraud and cybersecurity challenges. Her expertise lies at the intersection of machine learning, big data, and cybersecurity—a foundation that drives DataVisor’s mission to combat evolving fraud schemes.

The Genesis of DataVisor

The inspiration for DataVisor arose during Yinglian’s time at Microsoft, where she observed a common thread across various types of fraud, from payment security to spam and DDoS attacks. Recognizing the inefficiencies in addressing these threats with one-off solutions, she envisioned a universal fraud detection platform. The result was DataVisor—an end-to-end solution leveraging AI to protect both consumer and business accounts from coordinated fraud attacks.

Fraud Trends for 2025

As fraudsters gain equal access to advanced technologies, the cybersecurity landscape grows more dynamic. Yinglian identifies three major trends for the future:

Rapid Evolution of Fraud Tactics: Attackers are exploiting vulnerabilities within hours of new product launches.
Sophisticated, Large-Scale Coordination: Fraud campaigns are increasingly organized, with attackers using neural networks to enhance effectiveness.
Targeted Victim Profiling: Fraudsters compile and analyze victim profiles, tailoring schemes for maximum impact.

Leveraging AI in Fraud Detection

AI has been integral to DataVisor from day one. Yinglian emphasizes the transformative role of unsupervised machine learning in detecting new fraud patterns without historical data. This proactive approach allows DataVisor to address emerging threats effectively. Additionally, generative AI enhances operational efficiency by automating tasks such as feature selection, strategy tuning, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Advice for Aspiring Professionals

For those entering the fraud detection field, Yinglian advises combining technological expertise with a deep understanding of fraudster behavior. She underscores the importance of a proactive mindset, encouraging businesses to integrate fraud prevention into product design rather than treating it as an afterthought.

A Rewarding Mission

For Yinglian, combating fraud is more than a career—it’s a mission to make the digital world safer for everyone. Her dedication to innovation and impact exemplifies how technology can address real-world challenges and protect millions of users globally.

This post blends expert insights, actionable takeaways, and a compelling narrative to engage audiences interested in AI, fintech, and cybersecurity.