The variable center gives you ready-to-use fraud detection signals — maintained by the Alibaba Cloud expert team — without requiring algorithm or development expertise. You can also create custom lists (such as whitelists and blacklists) and custom velocity variables tailored to your business.
How variables work
A variable represents a dynamic computed value, as opposed to a constant. The decision-making engine evaluates variables at runtime using one of three computing methods:
| Computing method | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Function | A function applied to input parameters | Extract the domain suffix from an email address |
| Scenario recognition model | A pre-trained fraud detection model | Account Abuse Detection Pro model |
| Velocity metric | A behavioral count or sum over a time window | Number of accounts associated with an IP address within one hour |
Variables in the variable center are published and updated by the Alibaba Cloud expert team. When you configure a policy, you associate one or more variables with an event — the engine evaluates those variables each time the event occurs. For example, if you want to use a fraud detection model in the registration scenario, you can use the Account Abuse Detection Pro-Rating variable that is provided in the variable center.
Associate a variable with an event
Two methods are available. Both produce the same result.
Method 1: Browse and discover
Go to the variable center and click the Variables tab.
Select the variable you want to use. The Variable Details panel opens on the right.
In the Variable Details panel, configure the association between the variable and the event.
Use the variable in a policy.
Method 2: Add directly
Go to the variable center and click the Variable Management tab.
Click Add Variable. The Add Variable panel opens.
Select a variable and configure the event association.
Use the variable in a policy.
Create and use a custom list
A custom list lets you apply a set of known identifiers — such as trusted customers or flagged email addresses — directly in your policies. Supported list types:
Whitelist
Blacklist
Graylist
VIP list
Create a list
Go to the variable center and open the list management section.
Click Create and specify:
List name
Description
Import method
Import list items based on the selected import method.
Select Upload Later as the import method if you are not ready to add items during list creation. After the list is created, click Import in the Actions column to add items at any time.
Use the list in a policy.
List capacity limits vary by commercial edition of the decision-making engine. For details, see the buy page of the decision-making engine.
Configure a custom velocity variable
A velocity variable monitors a specific type of behavior for a subject over a period of time. For example, you can track how many login attempts an account makes per hour, or how many devices register under the same IP address per day.
Velocity variables support:
| Capability | Options |
|---|---|
| Computing methods | Summation, counting, and others |
| Intervals | By minute, by hour, or by day |
To configure a custom velocity variable for your business scenario, contact Alibaba Cloud.