For this blog post, Get Cyber Safe has partnered with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), who, like us, understands how important cyber security is to businesses as well as individuals. This blog presents our shared perspective, and we thank them for being a dedicated partner in the cyber security of Canadians.
Get to work on cyber safety
If you’re looking for a new job (or even your first job), there’s a good chance you aren’t printing out a stack of resumes and cover letters. In today’s digital age, searching for a new job often begins online. While the internet has made it easier to find new opportunities, it’s also given cyber criminals new ways to target job seekers. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), overall reported losses to job fraud increased from 7 million in 2022 to 30 million in 2023. With close to 12 million lost in the first three months of 2024, the trend continues. Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself when job searching.
Visit trusted websites
You should always visit well-known and reputable job search websites. Verified platforms and even the Government of Canada job portal have measures in place to protect users from fraudulent job postings. Websites and social media platforms that aren’t solely dedicated to job postings likely don’t have the same safety measures in place and it may be more difficult to determine if their postings are legitimate. You should always research the company before you apply to any job. And look for signs that the website you are visiting is legitimate. For instance, look for things like:
- the website’s encryption status – a padlock icon next to the URL and the “s” in https are signs the website is using encryption to protect your information
- a request for too much personal information – legitimate organizations should only be asking for basic information like first name, last name and contact information to reach you
You can further protect yourself by securing your job-seeking accounts. Make sure to use strong passwords or passphrases that are at least 15 characters long. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security to your accounts. Your account is 99.9% less likely to be compromised if you use MFAFootnote 1.
Learn how to spot a legitimate job opportunity
Not every online job posting is legitimate. Cyber criminals will create fake job listings to steal your personal information or money. One of the most common methods cyber criminals will use to steal from you is phishing. You should always be wary of job offers that arrive unsolicited through email and even over social media. Legitimate employers will never ask for money to submit an application or for personal information – like your bank account or social insurance number (SIN) – over email.
You should also be wary of fraudulent job postings that aren’t being published on reputable websites. If a job offer promises extraordinarily high pay for minimal work or no prior experience, there’s a good chance it’s a scam. These offers may also demand too much information upfront, like a full background check or a payment for training. A legitimate employer will always conduct interviews and verify your information through standard procedures. Remember to research the company if you’re in doubt.
What to do when you start a new job
Once you’ve secured a new position (congrats!), it’s important that you continue to prioritize your cyber safety. Make sure you get familiar with your company’s cyber security plan which could include protocols for safely storing and backing up your data, using company devices and how to report suspicious activity. You can also take this time to become a cyber security champion by discussing online safety with your colleagues. You can do this by sharing tips and resources like our Get Cyber Safe Guide for Small Businesses to help them stay vigilant against cyber threats.
Conclusion
By following these simple steps, you can protect yourself from cyber threats while searching for your next career move. You have the power to contribute to a safer internet at your new workplace by staying vigilant and knowing how to spot online threats.
Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. If not a victim, you should still report the incident to the CAFC.