Looking for a job in cybersecurity? Protect yourself from fraud

Anti-phishing, DMARC, fraud management and cybercrime, recruitment and retraining strategy

Learn how to identify fraudulent job postings and avoid falling victim to fraud

Brandy Harris •
28 August 2024

Demand for applicants is at an all-time high. Unfortunately, this demand, coupled with the rise of remote work, has led to an increase in fraudulent job postings targeting tech-savvy individuals. If you're looking to land a job in cybersecurity, it's important to understand the risks and how to protect yourself from these fraudulent schemes.

See also: How to leverage the power of Zero Trust network access through a lifecycle approach

Why job fraud exists

Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field. Organizations worldwide are looking for skilled professionals to protect their digital assets. This high demand makes cybersecurity professionals prime targets for fraudsters who exploit the urgency and competition within the industry.

The appeal of remote work opportunities has opened up even more opportunities for scammers. By creating compelling job postings and conducting interviews entirely online, they can operate more easily, making it harder for job seekers to verify the legitimacy of a potential employer.

Common warning signs in job advertisements

To avoid falling victim to these scams, it is important to recognize the warning signs of a fake job posting. Here are some common warning signs:

• Too good to be true: Offers that promise unusually high salaries, fast hiring processes, or guaranteed employment with minimal effort often indicate a scam. Cybersecurity jobs require specialized skills and usually involve a rigorous application process.
• Unclear job descriptions: Be wary of job postings that do not describe duties and expectations in detail. Scammers often use general language to attract a wide range of applicants.
• Requests for personal information: Reputable employers won't ask for sensitive information like your social security number or bank account details during the application process. If a job posting asks for this information up front, that's a big red flag. Don't proceed.
• Unprofessional communication: Pay close attention to the quality of the recruiter's communication. Poor grammar, unprofessional-looking email addresses, or requests to move conversations to private email or messaging apps may indicate a scam.

Cases from practice

Here are some real-life examples that illustrate the dangers of fake job postings:

Fake recruiters

Fraudsters posed as recruiters from a well-known technology company and offered attractive cybersecurity positions. They conducted fake interviews and then requested personal information, including copies of IDs and social security numbers. Victims believed they were about to land a prestigious job and complied – only to realize too late that they had become victims of identity theft.

Compromised job platforms

Scammers infiltrated legitimate job boards and posted fraudulent job postings for cybersecurity jobs that appeared authentic. Job seekers who applied for these positions were asked to fill out forms with personal information or even transfer money for “training” before they could start the new job. By the time the job seekers realized they had been scammed, their data had already been compromised.

Practical steps to protect yourself

To avoid falling victim to these scams, you can proactively take the following steps in your job search:

• Research the company.
  
  

  Before applying for a job, check the legitimacy of the company. Visit the official website, look for reviews from current or former employees, and look for news about the company. A quick online search can often reveal if others have flagged the company as suspicious.

• Contact the company directly.
  
  

  To confirm the validity of a job posting, use the contact information on the company's official website. This will ensure that the person you are communicating with is actually a representative of the company.

• Be skeptical of upfront fees.
  
  

  Reputable employers should not ask you for payment during the application process. Be extremely cautious when asked to pay, whether it is for training, certifications or processing applications.

• Use trustworthy job platforms.
  
  

  No platform is completely fraud-proof, but using well-known job boards and professional networks like LinkedIn or Indeed can help reduce your risk. However, always remain vigilant and double-check any offers you receive through these channels.

Resources and Support

You can protect yourself even better when looking for a job by taking the following measures:

• Use career services.
  
  

  Many universities and professional associations offer career services that can help you find legitimate job opportunities. These services are often linked to reputable employers and can provide guidance on how to avoid scams.

• Join professional networks.
  
  

  Cybersecurity forums and professional associations are excellent resources for learning about potential job scams. Members of these communities often share legitimate job postings and warn each other about suspicious activity.

• Report fraud.
  
  

  By reporting a scam to the appropriate authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission, or flagging it on the platform where you found the job posting, you help protect others and raise awareness of scammers' tactics.

If you feel like something isn't right during your job search, it's always better to take a step back and investigate further. It's worth the extra effort to protect your personal information and maintain your peace of mind.