Jobs in Cybersecurity Scams Explained

Cybersecurity is a sought-after employment domain, which means one thing: like in any other industry, scammers are operating from the shadows. In this case, they’re trying to trick people with fake job offers.

A casual observer would be inclined to believe that scammers, fraudsters, and hackers stay away from the cybersecurity industry. In many respects, it would be like trying to rob the police. However, criminals know that many people aspire to work in cybersecurity – and they are the ones targeted.

The demand for cybersecurity professionals has increased in direct response to the expansion of cybercriminality. Scammers have begun posing as recruiters, HR managers, or even entire cybersecurity firms to lure professionals into dangerous traps.

These schemes don't just risk financial loss for the victims – they transform job hunters into unwitting accomplices in larger cybercrimes.

Fake Cybersecurity Companies (e.g., FIN7)

Scam Type: Fraudulent companies offer fake job positions, but the goal is not what people might expect. Criminals are actually trying to gain access to devices by installing malware, or to gain access to accounts and even banking accounts.

For example, the cybercrime group FIN7 created a fictitious cybersecurity firm that actively recruited tech professionals. During the onboarding process, scammers directed applicants to install malicious software disguised as technical assessments. Applicants unknowingly infected their systems, granting attackers full network access.

AI-Generated Fake Job Offers

Scam Type: Fraudsters are pushing AI-created job postings, emails, or texts, sometimes via social media or other dedicated platforms. In this situation, the attackers usually aim to steal personal information or money.

Cybercriminals can now use generative AI to craft realistic job listings and direct communications with non-existent companies. Victims receive personalized messages inviting them to apply for attractive remote jobs. Scammers then persuade applicants to share personal data or pay upfront fees, sometimes escalating into crypto-based investment fraud.

They might even go so far as to direct victims to fake hiring platforms or other such online services.

Deepfake Interviews

Scam Type: Deepfake technology improvements have made their way into the fake job industry. This is a more advanced type of attack that also employs social engineering. The goal is to get a job at a legitimate company in a position that can then be used for espionage and data theft. 

Cyber attackers conduct fake video interviews using AI-generated faces and voices. They aim to infiltrate legitimate businesses by securing positions as seemingly authentic employees. Once inside, they steal sensitive information and intellectual property and expose security vulnerabilities. 

Recruitment Platform Data Breaches 

Scam Type: Attackers use data leaks from recruitment databases to launch targeted phishing attacks and impersonations.

Cyberattackers exploit misconfigured databases that leak millions of resumes and personal details. They use this compromised information to craft targeted phishing emails tailored specifically to cybersecurity professionals. These highly personalized attacks trick recipients into revealing passwords or downloading malware.

In this situation, people already working in cybersecurity are the ones targeted.

Impersonation of Legitimate Cybersecurity Firms

Scam Type: Criminals promote fake job offers by using real identities belonging to real companies.

They impersonate reputable cybersecurity companies, duplicating their websites and job postings. Victims proceed through seemingly authentic recruitment processes, submitting personal data or paying fees for supposed onboarding processes.

It turns out that none of the promises are real – only later do they realize the job never existed.

How to Protect Yourself

Cybersecurity job seekers must remain vigilant, especially if they really want a job in this extremely competitive field.

• It's a good idea to always verify recruiters via LinkedIn or official company websites. Depending on the type of fraud, even official platforms could be targeted. Seeking out information from multiple sources decreases the risk of being scammed.
• Try to avoid job offers from messaging apps or generic email accounts. It's unlikely that cybersecurity companies will contact people through such channels.
• Never install software from recruiters without verifying its legitimacy. Also, some cybercriminals might even try to persuade their prey to download source code that compiles into malware.
• Research the company thoroughly even if the job posting seem legitimate; look for scam warnings online and see if you can find suspicious reports from other applicants.

Secure Your Job-Hunting Process

Cyberthreats evolve constantly, and proactive protection is essential. Equip yourself against cybersecurity scams and threats with comprehensive digital protection from Bitdefender Ultimate Security. Protect your identity, financial information, and personal devices from phishing attempts, malware, and more.

Bitdefender Ultimate Security offers advanced threat detection, real-time protection, and secure browsing features designed specifically to safeguard professionals and individuals alike. Don't leave your digital security to chance.