Avoiding the threat of rogue contractors with Integrity360’s CyberConnect360

In a recent incident that made the news headlines, an unnamed company fell victim to a cyber-attack after unknowingly hiring a North Korean cybercriminal disguised as a remote IT contractor. The individual managed to infiltrate the company’s systems, steal sensitive data, and issue a ransom demand. The case serves as a stark reminder of the increasing threat posed by threat actors masquerading as workers. 

The consequences for the affected company were severe, and the incident shows that cybercriminals are evolving their tactics to exploit weaknesses in the hiring process. Unfortunately, this type of attack is not isolated—similar methods have been reported at even the highest levels, including Fortune 100 firms. 

So, how can organisations avoid such breaches? 

CyberConnect360: the solution for secure, vetted IT talent 

Integrity360’s CyberConnect360 service is designed to provide businesses with a safer and more reliable way to source remote IT talent. The service goes beyond simple CV reviews or automated background checks—it's a rigorous, human-led vetting process that significantly reduces the risk of hiring malicious contractors. 

Our process involves: 

• Thorough job description review: We begin by understanding your needs in detail, ensuring we know exactly the type of candidate you require. 

• Initial consultation with the hiring manager: A direct conversation helps us capture the finer details of the role and the team dynamics, ensuring we find the right fit. 

• Candidate identification: Based on the job description and our in-depth understanding, we identify potential candidates, paying special attention to those with verifiable experience and credentials. 

• Informal soft skills assessment: We start with a Teams call with each candidate to evaluate their communication, presentation skills, and general suitability for the role. This helps to ensure that they aren’t just technically competent but are also culturally aligned with your organisation. 

• CV review by our technical team: One of our experts from the technical team reviews the CV, and we discuss their thoughts, making sure there’s alignment between the candidate’s claimed skills and the role’s requirements. 

• Technical screening via Teams: Our technical team conducts a thorough 30-minute screening, where candidates are asked job-relevant technical questions to confirm their competence and assess their problem-solving approach. 

• Only the best candidates submitted: After rigorous evaluation, we only submit 3 or 4 of the most qualified candidates to you. This saves you time and ensures you’re not overwhelmed with CVs, making the hiring process smoother and more efficient. 

• Seamless onboarding: Once a candidate is selected, we ensure a smooth onboarding process with you, so they can hit the ground running without any unnecessary delays. 

How CyberConnect360 ensures security 

CyberConnect360’s comprehensive vetting process is designed to catch red flags early, offering a critical line of defence against the rising trend of cyber operatives infiltrating companies. Our thorough screening—led by experts who understand both the technical and human sides of hiring—makes it much harder for malicious actors to slip through the cracks. 

Unlike traditional hiring methods, which can be vulnerable to falsified credentials and identity fraud, CyberConnect360's expert-led approach ensures that every candidate is thoroughly vetted before they ever access your network. In this way, organisations can hire with confidence, knowing that the IT contractors they bring on board have been rigorously assessed, reducing the risk of insider threats. 

Protect your organisation with CyberConnect360 

In today’s increasingly volatile cyber landscape, businesses can no longer afford to take risks when hiring remote IT contractors. The case of the North Korean hacker highlights the critical need for robust vetting processes, especially when bringing in talent to manage sensitive data and systems. 

By partnering with Integrity360 and leveraging our CyberConnect360 service, you can ensure that every contractor you hire has undergone comprehensive screening, reducing your exposure to malicious actors while still filling crucial IT roles. Let us handle the complexity of vetting so you can focus on what matters most, growing and securing your business. 

Get in touch with us today to find out how CyberConnect360 can safeguard your talent acquisition process, keeping your business secure in a rapidly changing threat landscape.