Hackers Recruit Unhappy Insiders to Bypass Data Security
TL;DR
Hackers target disgruntled employees to gain unauthorized access to company systems, offering them a share of ransomware profits or stolen data sales. They use social media to find workers complaining about layoffs or unfair treatment.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
The souring economy has hackers on the hunt for disgruntled workers open to assisting with cyberattacks through authorized access into their employer’s digital systems. The workers are typically offered a share of ransomware payoffs or stolen data sales for their services. “The lure of coaxing an employee to betray their allegiance is the holy grail for bad actors,” said Mike McPherson, SVP of security operations at cybersecurity firm ReliaQuest. McPherson, a former special agent with the FBI, said hackers are actively combing social media apps for workers who post about layoffs, pay issues and unfair treatment, or those who were recently fired, demoted or passed over for a promotion—often reaching out to them directly on platforms like LinkedIn or by email. Full Story