Zero Trust Onboarding in HR Tech Safeguarding Applicant Tracking Systems against Deepfake Resumes and Credential Fraud

Authors

  • Diana Ussher-Eke Group Head of Human Resources, Continental Reinsurance Plc, Lagos, Nigeria Author
  • UgoaghalamUche James Department of Computer Information Systems. Collage of Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, Praire View, 77446, Texas, USA Author
  • Onum Friday Okoh Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria Author

Keywords:

Zero Trust Security, Human Resources Technology, Applicant Tracking Systems, Deepfake Resumes, Credential Fraud

Abstract

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence has introduced unprecedented challenges to human resources (HR) technology, particularly in safeguarding applicant tracking systems (ATS) from fraudulent activities. Among the most pressing threats are deepfake resumes and credential fraud, which exploit digital platforms to bypass traditional verification mechanisms and compromise organizational integrity. As hiring processes increasingly migrate to digital ecosystems, the risks associated with manipulated identities and fabricated qualifications demand robust, proactive security frameworks. Zero Trust, a security paradigm based on the principle of “never trust, always verify,” emerges as a critical solution for strengthening HR tech against these vulnerabilities. By embedding continuous identity validation, dynamic access controls, and risk-based authentication into the onboarding lifecycle, Zero Trust redefines how sensitive applicant data is protected and how legitimacy is ensured at every interaction point. This approach mitigates the potential for compromised talent pipelines, reputational damage, and financial losses stemming from fraudulent hiring decisions. Beyond technical resilience, Zero Trust fosters organizational trust, ensuring that recruitment processes remain transparent, secure, and aligned with ethical standards in talent acquisition. Ultimately, adopting Zero Trust in HR systems represents not only a safeguard against sophisticated cyber-enabled fraud but also a transformative step toward redefining digital trust in the future of work.

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26-08-2024

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[1]
Diana Ussher-Eke, UgoaghalamUche James, and Onum Friday Okoh, “Zero Trust Onboarding in HR Tech Safeguarding Applicant Tracking Systems against Deepfake Resumes and Credential Fraud”, Int J Sci Res Humanities and Social Sciences, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 262–281, Aug. 2024, Accessed: Oct. 16, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://ijsrhss.technoscienceacademy.com/index.php/home/article/view/IJSRSSH243565