Why SMBs must rethink how they hire—and secure—their workforce in an AI-powered world.

In a recent CNBC article, tech CEOs revealed a disturbing trend: AI-powered imposters are applying—and getting hired—for remote jobs. These so-called “deepfake employees” are using synthetic voices, stolen resumes, and fake personas to get inside businesses. But this isn’t just a big tech problem—it’s a growing threat for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) too.

The New Face of Insider Threats

The days of worrying only about phishing emails and ransomware are behind us. Today’s cybercriminals are getting smarter and bolder—some are posing as remote job candidates to infiltrate companies from the inside.

Using AI-generated voices, avatars, and even scripted interviews, these fraudsters pass virtual interviews with ease. Once “hired,” they gain access to internal systems, sensitive data, customer information, and even financial platforms.

For large companies with robust security operations, this is already a serious concern. But for SMBs—with fewer IT resources and less formal hiring processes—it could be a ticking time bomb.

What’s Really at Risk for SMBs?

Hiring the wrong person isn’t just a culture mismatch anymore—it can be a cybersecurity incident waiting to happen. Here’s what’s at stake:

• Customer data leaks that damage trust and violate compliance.

• Access to internal systems (email, file sharing, cloud apps) that could be used for data exfiltration or ransomware.

• Business disruption from fraudulent activity or planted malware.

Cybercriminals know that small businesses often lack the layered defenses of enterprise organizations. That makes you a target.

5 Ways SMBs Can Stay Ahead of Deepfake Hiring Scams

At Inman Technologies, we help SMBs build smarter, more secure workplaces. Here’s how you can protect your business:

1. Implement Strong Identity Verification During Hiring
   
   Use secure video platforms, verify documents, and consider using services that authenticate identity via biometric or multi-factor tools.

2. Restrict System Access for New Hires
   
   Give new employees access only to what they need—nothing more. Use role-based access control and limit administrative privileges.

3. Use Endpoint Management for All Devices
   
   All employee devices should be enrolled in a mobile device management (MDM) solution (like Addigy, Jamf, or Microsoft Intune) so your IT team can enforce policies, patch vulnerabilities, and monitor for threats.

4. Adopt a Zero Trust Security Model
   
   Don’t assume trust—even inside your network. Apply least-privilege access, require continuous authentication, and verify user behavior with advanced monitoring tools.

5. Partner With a Cybersecurity-Focused IT Provider
   
   Trying to juggle security, HR, and operations alone is risky. Inman Technologies partners with SMBs to implement secure onboarding processes, monitor for threats, and build resilient infrastructures.

Final Thought: If They Can Fake an Interview, They Can Steal Your Data

The CNBC article should be a wake-up call. If AI-generated fraud can trick Fortune 500 companies, what’s stopping it from targeting your business next?

You don’t need a massive IT department to protect yourself—you need the right IT partner. That’s where Inman Technologies comes in. Let us help you strengthen your defenses, secure your workforce, and build trust in a remote-first world.

Want to know if your hiring and onboarding processes are leaving you exposed?

Book a free 15-minute security consultation with our team today.