Don’t accidentally hire a robot

Thanks to the ever-changing employee landscape, the human factor is often the most overlooked form of security.

Contemporary hiring challenges confronting employers today range from employees outsourcing their jobs and instances of scammers infiltrating organisational
systems through fake employment.

The significance of establishing a robust remote cyber safety program cannot be overstated.

Importance of implementing a strong remote cyber safety program

The implementation of a strong remote cyber safety program is an essential aspect of modern hiring practices. As technology continues to evolve, organisations must remain vigilant and proactive in the protection against potential safety breaches when hiring.

Security education programs such as Phriendly Phishing are important to safeguard sensitive data, protect against cyber threats and ensure secure remote work environments for employees.

Cyber security courses showcase scenarios where off-site employees, working in busy cafes or at their kitchen table, may connect to multiple networks (such as Wi-Fi or mobile data networks) with limited or no security measures. Public networks lack access to authorised messaging, document-sharing, and collaboration software, resorting to using insecure alternatives, rendering both themselves and the organisation susceptible to cyber security threats.

Scammer attacks through human resources

There is a threat of scammers infiltrating company systems through human resource channels.

Cybercriminals adeptly manipulate vulnerabilities within the hiring process to gain unauthorised access to sensitive information or exploit unsuspecting hirers with AI and deepfakes.

It is imperative for organisations to adopt measures to prioritise cyber safety.

Incorporating face-to-face interviews as an integral part of the hiring process can serve as a crucial defence mechanism.

By fostering a culture of in-person or virtual face-to-face interviews, employers can minimise the risk of falling victim to fraudulent activities orchestrated through HR channels.

Additionally, reference checks play a pivotal role in the hiring process, providing valuable insights into a candidate’s past performance, work ethic and character, ultimately aiding employers in making informed and confident hiring decisions.

Beware of employees outsourcing workload

The emerging phenomenon of employees outsourcing parts or, in some cases, their entire job through AI or overseas employees, is an increasing concern within hybrid workplaces.

Strategic outsourcing of certain tasks is utilised in some workplaces, however, this particular practice involves an employee engaging an external individual to execute their responsibilities while claiming this as their own productivity.

In addition to this, utilising AI tools to input workplace information runs the risk of exposing confidential information.

This practice not only erodes the trust between the employer and the workplace but increases the risk of critical ethical and security predicaments.

As such, the organisation is exposed to potential data breaches, intellectual property theft and compromised confidentiality. To avoid these risks, implement vigilant monitoring and strong reinforcement of the company policies.

To mitigate cyber security threats, it is vital for businesses to build a culture of cyber safety, place an emphasis on face-to-face or virtual interviews, conduct thorough reference checks, and implement a strong remote cyber safety program.

Prioritising these measures and investing in security programs like Phriendly Phishing, will aid in safeguarding its operations. Embracing these proactive approaches will foster a resilient and secure workforce capable of thriving in the ever-evolving digital landscape and staying one step ahead of scams.

By Karina Mansfield, managing director of Phriendly Phishing.