In recent years, as remote working has soared, so has the rate of cybercrime. Technology-reliant businesses are often easily infiltrated by cyber criminals, rendering the recruitment sector a prime target. With an increasing number of cyber criminals lurking in the shadows and waiting to attack your business, you must ensure your workforce is not vulnerable; if it is, cyber criminals will be ready to exploit it.

Therefore, it is vital you make certain your defences are fortified – considering a staggering 68% of business leaders feel their cyber security risks are increasing and yet 54% claim their IT departments are not sophisticated enough to defend themselves. To protect your business, it is crucial you know the biggest cyber security threats to look out for.

Cyber Security Threats in the Recruitment Sector

If your business is breached by a cyber attack, it could have monumental financial, reputational and legal consequences. We have outlined five of the biggest cyber security threats plaguing the recruitment sector to ensure you know what to look out for and can protect your business from malicious attacks.

1. Malware

Malware is a software designed with malicious intent to disrupt, damage and gain illegal access to a computer system. Without the right anti-malware software and firewalls in place, your business could face irreparable damage. At Blue Saffron, our fully Managed Security Services provide 24/7 anticipation and prevention of security threats, meaning your hardware and software is integrated with backup and recovery services in the event of a breach.

2. Phishing

Phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending emails claiming to be from reputable businesses in the attempt to gain sensitive and private user information. In 2021 alone, almost 40% of breaches included phishing. Phishing emails are notoriously common in the recruitment sector due to the regular communication via email and so it is paramount one of your employees does not mistakenly click on a malicious link.

3. Ransomware

Ransomware is a malicious software that blocks a user’s access to their computer system until a ransom is paid. With an enormous amount of sensitive data, recruitment businesses are often prepared to pay for the information to be returned; and many cyber criminals will use this to their advantage. With Cyber Security Strategy & Consultancy from Blue Saffron, we’ll provide strategic and tactical assistance to ensure your data remains secure.

4. Human Error

Human error is perhaps the biggest cyber threat to the recruitment industry as it accounts for 95% of cyber security issues. All it takes is one wrong click in a phishing email and the damage is done. With the Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus government-backed accreditation schemes, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability to cyber attack. This will also provide your clients with confidence that your team are keeping their information secure.

5. Lack of Training

Another way to prevent human error is in training. In fact, the human error threat to the recruitment industry is directly linked to a lack of proper training, with 77% of UK workers admitting they have never received any cyber security training. That is why it’s essential that you regularly offer training on cyber security awareness for your employees. This will also instil confidence in your clients that your employees are up to speed on cyber security.

Become Cyber Compliant with Blue Saffron

As business cybercrime in the recruitment sector continues to multiply, you need to make certain your defences stand strong. Blue Saffron’s IT Security Services provide comprehensive peace of mind – ensuring your business is fortified against cyberthreats. Our webinar, Cyber Compliance, details how simple, but effective, cyber compliance can protect your data and profits. You’ll hear from award-winning guest speaker Chani Simms as she explains:

• How compliance increases the value of your business
• The drawbacks of relying on Cyber-Essentials
• The ins-and-outs of ISO and IASME
• Homeworking, Brexit and GDPR

To find out more about your IT security strategy and keeping your data secure with Blue Saffron, check out our webinar, today.