Hackers use phishing, malware to target job seekers amid layoffs

The current economic climate globally is grim due to the ongoing recession, and taking advantage of this environment, cybercriminals are using phishing and malware campaigns to target job seekers in a bid to steal sensitive information, a new report said on Thursday.

In phishing attacks, job seekers receive emails from fake companies or recruitment agencies, asking them to provide personal information or login credentials. These emails look legitimate but are designed to steal sensitive information such as passwords or financial information, according to research by cyber-security firm Trellix.

In malware campaigns, job seekers receive malicious attachments or URLs to websites that infect their devices with malware or download malicious software.