In today's digital world, job seekers rely on online platforms to fins career opportunities. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are taking advantage of this by launching sophisticated phishing attacks. I recently encountered one firsthand, and I want to share my experience to help others stay protected.

The Setup: A Legitimate Job Application

On March 4th, I applied for a Security Engineer role at Modern Campus through the job platform Welcome to the Jungle. After Submitting my application, I expected the usual hiring process, initial screenings, HR communication, and interview scheduling. However, I never received any direct communication from Modern Campus about my application status.

The Phishing Attempt

Fast forward to March 20th, I received an email titled "[Action Required] Job Offer Jetter" from an address impersonating Modern Campus. The email claimed that I had been selected for the job and needed to install a CRM, Customer Relations Management, system on my phone to proceed with the hiring process. That immediately raised some red flags:

🚩 Misspelled Subject Line: The word "Jetter" in the subject line was a clear indicator of something suspicious. Professional companies typically proofread their communications, and such as error is uncommon in legitimate hiring emails.

🚩 Unfamiliar Sender Email: The email came from an address that wasn't associated with Modern Campus.

🚩 Urgency & Pressure: It urged me to act quickly and install an app, a classic phishing tactic.

🚩 Suspicious Link: The download link directed me to moderncampus.lpteam.com.my , a domain unrelated to Modern Campus.

🚩 Lack of HR Communication: I had never been contacted about an interview, making this "job offer" out of place.

The Investigation: Where Was the Compromise?

The biggest question I had was, how did the attacker know I applied for this job? There are a few possibilities:

1️⃣ Modern Campus' System Was Compromised: If attackers had access to their applicant database, they could send fake follow-ups.

2️⃣ Welcome to the Jungle Was Breached: If the job platform was compromised, my application details might have been exposed.

3️⃣ Standalone Threat Actor: This could be a broad phishing campaign targeting job seekers, with attackers scraping job listings and sending fake offers.

To verify the legitimacy of the email, I submitted it to VirusTotal for analysis. The scan came back clean, meaning there were no known malware signatures detected. However, despite the clean report, the email remained highly suspicious, as nothing about this content aligned with legitimate hiring practices.

I then reached out to Modern Campus' HR team to verify the job offer. They acknowledged my application and confirmed that they were aware of phishing attempts. Additionally, they provided safety measures to help protect against such scams, reinforcing my suspicions that threat actors were impersonating their hiring process.

The Danger: What Could Have Happened?

Had I fallen for this scam and downloaded the fake CRM app, I could have faced:

❌ Credential Theft: The app could steal login credentials and compromise personal or corporate accounts.

❌ Device Compromise: Malicious apps can install spyware or remote access tools, allowing attackers to control a victim's phone.

❌ Financial Fraud: If bank credentials or sensitive data were exposed, I could have faced financial losses.

Lessons Learned & How to Protect Yourself

✅  Verify the Source: Always check if an email is from a legitimate domain.

✅ Hover Over Links: Before clicking, inspect where the link actually leads.

✅ Confirm With the Employer: If you receive unexpected hiring instructions, contact the company through their official website.

✅ Be Wary of App Downloads: No legitimate hiring process requires installing random apps

✅ Enable Security Measures: Use email filters, enable two-factor authentication, and keep software up to date.

This experience was a reminder that even cybersecurity professionals can be targeted by well-crafted phishing attempts. The job market is stressful enough without having to worry about scams, but awareness is our best defense. If you're a job-seeker, stay vigilant and question everything that does not from within a familiar and secure channel.

Written by Jade Hutchinson, founder of JAH Cybersecurity Consulting, specializing in helping businesses strengthen their digital defenses.