Key Findings - Deepfake technology is enabling fake job candidates to infiltrate the hiring process, posing a significant threat to organizations [3][4] - Gartner predicts that by 2028, 25% (1 in 4) of job candidates worldwide will be fake [3] - Vidoc Security Lab found that 16.8% (approximately 1 in 6) of job applicants are fake [6] - Resume Genius survey indicates that approximately 17% of U S hiring managers have encountered deepfake technology during video interviews [10] Impact and Risks - Deepfake scams have already cost companies millions of dollars worldwide, and the threat is growing [12] - AI-generated fraud, including deepfakes, could cost the U S financial sector up to $40 billion by 2027, up from $12 3 billion in 2023 [12] - Fake candidates can gain access to sensitive data, steal data, write malicious code, and leave the door open for other types of fraud [11][12] - Hiring fake candidates from sanctioned nations poses a national security concern, as salaries can fund illicit activities [20] Contributing Factors - The rise of remote working, accelerated by the pandemic, has contributed to the increase in deepfake job seekers [7][8] - Virtual interviews, while offering convenience and cost savings, have opened the door to new risks [9][10] Countermeasures and Concerns - Companies may need to adjust their hiring processes, potentially switching to offline interviews to combat the rise of fake candidates [22] - Concerns exist that the focus on avoiding fake candidates could lead to biases in hiring, favoring local candidates and in-person interviews [23] - The increased scrutiny and longer hiring processes may negatively impact genuine candidates [23][24]