Hackers use fake job offers to cyberattack people looking for employment.

Hackers use fake job offers to launch cyberattacks against people looking for work, especially IT engineers in the aviation and financial technology sectors. The attackers pose as recruiters from well-known companies and invite candidates to participate in an apparently routine selection process.

Victims receive assessment tests and links from which they are supposed to download the necessary files. In reality, the file presented as a test may contain malicious software that gives the attackers access to the computer and the information stored on it.

The scam also relies on time pressure. Candidates are told that they have between one and three hours to answer the questions and are advised not to use artificial intelligence. As a result, they have less time to verify the documents or the identity of the alleged recruiter.

In one of the scenarios, the attackers even provide a password to open the test. After it is entered, the program starts searching for files and information on the device. The hackers then attempt to retain their access even after the system is shut down or restarted.

Software engineers are targeted because they may have access to projects, data, and resources that are important to the companies they work for.