In 2004, President George W. Bush declared October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which has become over time a way for groups and organizations to raise awareness about the importance of being secure. With cyberattacks occurring every 39 seconds, many organizations, especially those within the workforce development industry, must implement measures and practices that safeguard their computer systems and strong security protocols, complex encryption methods, and proactive countermeasures. Understanding the types of cyber threats and the measures that are needed to safeguard the integrity of workforce data improves the effectiveness of workforce programs for job seekers and employers.
The Importance of Cybersecurity in Workforce Development
Workforce development organizations and agencies serve a pivotal role in connecting job seekers with employers and job opportunities. However, they also handle sensitive data such as personal identification information (PII), employment records, and financial information. Safeguarding this confidential information is a pressing concern across all workforce organizations. In today's interconnected world, cyber-attacks can pose a threat to partners, clients, and even the entire industry, as demonstrated by the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 that compromised over 300,000 machines across 150 countries.
Cyber Threats Facing Workforce Development Organizations
- Phishing Attacks: Phishing is the top attack method for social engineers. Phishing attacks are fraudulent communications such as emails, text messages, phone calls, or websites. Although the communications may appear legitimate, they can trick users into downloading malware, sharing information, or taking other actions that expose themselves or their organizations.
- Ransomware: Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts data, effectively holding a user's sensitive data or device hostage until a ransom is paid to unlock the device. However, the financial burden continues after the ransom payment. Additional costs, such as system restoration and data recovery, can escalate the overall cost of a ransomware attack.
- In-Person Attacks: In-person attacks can happen when an unauthorized individual gains access to a user's device. Examples include USB attacks when a cybercriminal uses a thumb drive to install malware on your computer, or tailgating, when a hacker bypasses physical access controls by following an authorized person inside.
- Data Breaches: Any type of unauthorized access to an organization's database can lead to the theft of sensitive data and information. Workforce development organizations manage databases with sensitive data, making it even more important to implement safeguards and security measures to ensure the safety of all individuals.
Beware of Fake Employer Scams
Beyond the typical cybersecurity threats, workforce development organizations must also implement measures to prevent fake employer scams. This type of scam has existed for a long time, but technology has made it easier to enact. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), 16,012 people reported being victims of employment scams in 2020, with losses totaling more than $59 million. Cybercriminals will pose as legitimate employers to persuade victims to provide them with their PII. They can then use it in several ways, such as taking over the victims’ accounts, opening new financial accounts, or using the victims’ identity for another scam.
To spot these scams, remember that legitimate employers will never ask you to pay up-front fees for a job or equipment, and they won’t ask you to pay them using cash, Zelle, or PayPal. Avoid providing any personal information like your driver’s license, social security, or bank account number before researching the company to avoid fake employer scams. Using secure job search sites that take measures to prevent phony job postings and verify employers can help ensure that your personal information remains protected.
These scams not only harm the job seekers but also the workforce development organizations that connect job seekers with employers. The impact on job seekers can be devastating, as they may lose their hard-earned money or become victims of identity theft. It may also make job seekers weary of the job search and become detrimental to their career journey. To combat these scams, strict employer verification processes must be put in place across all workforce development organizations. Regularly monitoring job postings and educating users on how to identify and avoid fake job offers are also crucial steps in protecting job seekers from these scams.
Best Practices for Preventing Cyber Threats
- Employee Training: As said by Felipe Medina, Chief Information Security Officer at Geographic Solutions, when asked about the importance of security training: “In the army, we used to say you train as you fight. Your training should be as close to what the real-world battlefield would be like, and cybersecurity is no different.” Trained employees are better prepared to identify and respond to cyberattacks like phishing and malware.
- Team of Experts: Cybersecurity professionals can provide organizations with the expertise to secure their systems effectively.
- Data Encryption: Encrypting sensitive data ensures that it remains unreadable to cybercriminals, even if it is intercepted or accessed without authorization.
- Incident Response Plan: Reassure your team with a well-prepared incident response plan. If there is a cyber-attack, this plan can help organizations quickly respond and prevent damage, instilling a sense of security.
- Regular Security Audits: Conducting security audits of current security measures and practices can help identify vulnerabilities and areas for improvement.
As the workforce development industry grows and becomes more digital, understanding and taking measures to prevent cyber threats becomes increasingly essential. By understanding the common security threats a workforce development organization may face and putting measures in place to prevent or respond to any security threats, workforce development organizations can protect individuals' sensitive data, maintain public trust, and continue to help the labor market thrive.
Geographic Solutions is committed to supporting workforce development organizations in navigating these challenges, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in a secure, digital landscape.