The mantra for 2026 when it comes to protecting your personal information is “Zero Trust!”

You should be stingy with your personal information and only give it if you have researched the company and the people you interview, and feel safe. Your data privacy is the most valuable asset you own.

In this episode, Ashley, Russ, and I discuss the hiring process in detail so you can know what feels right and when it’s suspicious. Discernment is key throughout the entire interview process, not just before you apply. Russ is mostly featured in the discussion because he is generously offering 25 years of HR experience in his current HR director role.

There were a few powerful moments as we dissected the hiring process during this episode.

Here are a few of the highlights:

* We discuss how hard it is to trust video when we learned it was irrefutable.

* Candidates are interviewing with AI avatars, but they should find out before the interview how it will be conducted.

* Job seekers must beware of voice cloning. Entertaining conversations with scammers makes you vulnerable.

* More companies are guarding against fake employees (often bad actors from North Korea).

* Scammers use fake identities to gain long-term access to corporate infrastructure.

* Russ explains why the ATS and AI (AI only does what it’s programmed to do, garbage in, garbage out) aren’t the hiring “boogeyman.”

* Humans, not machines, are making the decisions.

* Red flag: Rushed hiring processes from large companies (they don’t operate that way).

* Trust shouldn’t be your personal default setting. “Zero Trust” must be applied until thorough due diligence is done.

Don’t miss these shows…

In case you’re conducting a job search…

Affiliate link below!

If job searching feels broken, that’s because it is.

Most people are fighting over the same handful of posted roles…while the real opportunities circulate quietly through networks, referrals, and direct sourcing.

Job Search 3.0 teaches you how to show up where recruiters are actually looking—before a job ever goes public.

If you’re ready to shift from chasing opportunities to attracting them, this is worth a look.

👉 https://jimstroud.graphy.com?affCode=L1MIWE

Need help keeping your private information safe?

I wanted to ensure that the companies I partner with for ‘The Job Scam Report’ were a good fit. The FBI reports Americans are losing significantly more to cybercrime than home burglaries, with digital crime financial losses reaching approximately $12.5 billion in 2023 alone.

Job search strategy and safety should be top of mind for all job seekers.

I’m happy to announce that Aura’s All-in-One Online Safety is an affiliate of “The Job Scam Report.” It’s powered by AI to protect your identity, finances, and devices. With $1M Identity Theft Insurance and 24/7, U.S.-based expert support, you can job search with little worry of protecting your computer and personal information.

Try Aura risk-free today.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit markanthonydyson.substack.com/subscribe