HR’s New Role in Cybersecurity Defense

HR departments have long been the gatekeepers of an organization’s safety. They ensure only the right people gain entry while handling sensitive employee data. But today, HR is also a prime target for cybercriminals who are exploiting a rapidly advancing technology: Deepfake Live video.

Over the past few months, hiring fraud has surged, with attackers using this powerful tool to masquerade as legitimate job applicants in remote interviews. The implications are serious: bad actors can bypass traditional hiring processes, infiltrate organizations, and steal valuable data—all while getting paid a salary at your company.

What is Deepfake Live Video?

Deepfake Live is an open-source tool available on GitHub that enables real-time video manipulation. Unlike pre-recorded deepfake videos, this technology allows an individual to mask their identity on live video calls using just a single photo.

Cybercriminals can impersonate a real person, such as an experienced candidate with impeccable credentials, during a virtual job interview. With this technology, they can convincingly appear as someone they are not, securing employment and gaining insider access.

That perfect candidate for a role you are trying to fill? They may not be who you think they are. 

Why This Threat is Growing Now

Deepfake technology has existed for a few years, but only recently has it become widely accessible and easy to use. Attackers no longer need advanced technical skills; with just a few clicks, they can manipulate video in real time, making traditional hiring processes vulnerable.

Cybercriminals are targeting HR teams specifically because they control access to an organization. By deceiving HR professionals, attackers can gain legitimate credentials, infiltrate internal systems, and launch sophisticated attacks from within.

The Cybercriminal’s Playbook: How They Exploit HR

Why spend time breaking into a company when you can walk through the front door and collect a paycheck while you hack?

Hiring fraud using deepfakes allows attackers to:

• Secure a legitimate position within the company under a false identity.

• Gain access to sensitive internal systems and data as an employee.

• Sell trade secrets or intellectual property to competitors or on the black market.

• Engage in financial fraud, such as unauthorized payroll changes or expense reimbursements.

• Hold critical data hostage, demanding ransom payments for its return.

💡For the attacker, it’s a perfect scheme: they get paid a salary while actively compromising the organization as a form of double extortion.

HR is Also a Secondary Target for Cybercriminals

Even if an attacker doesn’t secure a job through deepfake hiring fraud, HR departments remain a high-value target due to the sensitive information they manage. Threat actors are known to:

• Request fraudulent payroll updates, redirecting an employee’s salary to offshore accounts.

• Modify personnel records to insert secondary contact details, which can later be used for identity fraud.

• Gain access to confidential employee data that can be used for blackmail, extortion, or further attacks.

How HR Can Detect and Prevent Deepfake Hiring Fraud

Defending against this next-generation threat requires a proactive approach. HR teams should implement stronger verification procedures and protective controls to prevent fraudulent hires. Key strategies include:

1. Be extra cautious with remote applicants. Remote hiring is a primary target for deepfake scams. Treat applications with heightened scrutiny, especially those that seem too good to be true.
   

2. Complete background checks before scheduling interviews. Verifying an applicant’s identity early in the process adds an extra layer of defense.
   

3. Require video interviews with cameras on. If an applicant refuses or makes excuses about technical difficulties, consider it a red flag.
   

4. Ask applicants to remove virtual backgrounds. Some deepfake tools rely on background blurring to hide imperfections. A simple request to remove the background for a few seconds can help expose a fake.
   

5. Use the ‘hand test.’ Ask the interviewee to place their hand close to their face. If the image glitches or looks unnatural, it may indicate a deepfake mask.
   

6. Trust your instincts and verify suspicions. If something feels off, conduct additional identity verification. Cross-check social media profiles, request additional credentials, or conduct follow-up video calls with different team members.
   

7. Don’t be afraid to end the call. If an applicant refuses verification steps or their video feed shows signs of manipulation, terminate the interview immediately.

HR Must Be Cybersecurity-Aware

Deepfake hiring fraud is not just a future cybersecurity threat: it’s happening now. Organizations that fail to educate and equip their HR teams will find themselves vulnerable to these sophisticated attacks.

Cybercriminals are evolving their tactics, and HR professionals must adapt quickly to protect their organizations. By raising awareness, improving hiring security protocols, and staying vigilant, HR can transform from a prime target to a first line of defense against cyber threats.

What’s Next?

Organizations should start by training HR teams to recognize deepfake threats and investing in better identity verification processes. This is not just an HR issue, it’s a company-wide security concern that requires collaboration between HR, IT, and cybersecurity teams.

If you haven’t already, now is the time to:

• Educate HR and hiring managers on deepfake risks.

• Implement stricter applicant verification measures.

• Establish a clear process for reporting suspicious hiring activity.

The landscape of cybersecurity is shifting, and HR is on the front lines. Protecting your organization requires ensuring they are fully prepared.

About the Author

Jason Thatcher is the founder of Breacher.ai and has a background spanning red teaming, adversary simulation, and security awareness. Breacher.ai takes a human-first approach to deepfake defense by building awareness through simulations and practical training, instead of fear tactics. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn!

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