Job seeking? Make sure you follow these 5 security tips

The New Year tends to be a time of change, with many setting resolutions to improve their lives. What better way to get ahead in life than by finding a new job?

In today's world, most people implement cybersecurity practices when they are purchasing products or conversing online. However, when seeking employment, people may let their guard down. Yet, it is essential to be aware of the threats to your security while you browse jobs online. 

If your New Year's resolution is to find a new job, it is important you know how to search online without putting your personal details at risk. To facilitate your New Year's resolution, here are five online factors to keep in mind:

1) Do not share confidential information 

In the excitement of a job search, it might seem like a good idea to speed up the process by posting your personal details to sites like LinkedIn. However, this is a dangerous action as it can allow a fraudster easy access to your information. 

In the same way the police advise you to not put your name on the outside of your house, publishing too much information online can put you at the mercy of cybercriminals. 

Remember, your personal information is a fraudster's gateway into your bank and telecommunication accounts. 

2) Stick to reputable job search websites

With so many job websites on the internet, it can be hard to pick which one best suits your needs.

However, there is a range of websites that do not have your best interests in mind. If you are using the internet to search for a job it is important you stick to reputable sites such as Seek.com.au.

Even better, if you can find the official website for the company, organisation or department that is offering the role, it may pay to use these. 

3) Never share passwords

This may sound like a simple piece of advice, but it is still pertinent to all internet users.

Passwords are not unbreakable, yet, they are the first line of defence against fraudsters and cybercriminals. It is important you do not share passwords with anybody, not even your friends. The security issues are compounded if you do not have unique passwords for different sites or activities. 

When setting up a password, it is important to choose a strong one that will stop someone from hacking it. For instance, the Australian government advises that passwords should always use a minimum of eight characters and at least one symbol.1 Furthermore, it might pay to use a passphrase, rather than a word that could be found in a dictionary.  

4) Beware of phishing

Phishing is a form of identity theft that uses online platforms such as emails or illegal websites to steal your personal information including passwords and account data.

Criminals will send a huge amount of fraudulent emails to a variety of users with links to websites that try to replicate trustworthy sites. However, these will typically ask you to provide personal information, which can be used by criminals to access your accounts.  

Having said this, there are ways to identify and avoid phishing. Microsoft encourages users to inspect emails for errors within some of the credible symbols used to make it look trustworthy, such as a logo.2 Furthermore, most companies do not ask for your details over email. 

If you are worried that the email you are reading is a scam, it is safer to not follow the links and instead make contact with the organisation through a separate email or even over the phone. 

5) Beware of employment fraud 

Depending on your previous role and past history, finding relevant jobs might be harder than initially thought. In this case, it sometimes pays to talk to a recruiter. However, you should always make contact with a professional and reputable recruitment agency or else you risk being the victim of employment fraud.  

The UK Police point out that employment fraud can occur when a criminal impersonates a recruitment agent and offers you a job that does not exist.3

Typically, they will ask you to follow a procedure that aims to get hold of your banking details and encourage you to pay them a certain amount of cash. For instance, they could offer you a job in another country and ask you to pay a down payment for accommodation or travel.

In many cases, the fraudster will have a range of authenticating components such as a credible website, a questionnaire and an interview process. 

However, there are several ways to avoid employment fraud. The UK Police offer this advice:

• Check for bad spelling or incorrect grammar.
• Corroborate the costs described with the country's embassy
• Research the job and its organisation to make sure it actually exists
• Test the employer by telling them that you will organise your own accommodation and travel. If they resist, it might be a trap. 
• Check their email address. If it is a free provider such as Gmail or Hotmail, be careful. 

If you are worried about the safety of you information, it is important to talk to the experts in the field of cybersecurity. Contact Identity Watch today and find out how you can protect your valuable information. 

1 Protecting Yourself Online. Australian Government. Accessed: 13/01/2016

2 Phishing FAQ. Microsoft. Accessed 13/01/2016

3 Recruitment Scams. Action Fraud. Accessed: 13/01/2016