At AckerWorx, we maintain a global workforce and have historically engaged with talented professionals from many regions, including the Philippines. However, after experiencing a series of significant security and integrity issues during our recruitment processes, we made the decision to pause direct hiring from this region. This article explains the reasoning behind this decision and addresses some important clarifications.
Security Incidents During Recruitment
Our decision was primarily driven by serious security concerns that emerged during our hiring processes:
- Immediate Leaking of Recruitment Materials:
- Within hours of conducting technical assessments and interviews, our proprietary recruitment tests and evaluation materials were being posted on job boards and social media platforms.
- Confidential interview questions and company-specific scenarios appeared on forums designed to help candidates "prepare" for AckerWorx interviews, completely undermining our ability to fairly assess candidates.
- Fraudulent Employment Claims:
- Shortly after our recruitment campaigns, numerous LinkedIn profiles appeared claiming current or former employment at AckerWorxâindividuals who had never been hired or even completed the interview process.
- Some of these fake profiles were being used to solicit business opportunities or establish credibility for unrelated ventures.
- Identity and Credential Fraud:
- We encountered instances of candidates misrepresenting their qualifications, including fabricated certifications and work histories.
- In some cases, different individuals appeared at video interviews than those who had submitted applications, suggesting the use of proxy interviewees.
Strategic Business Decision
Beyond the security concerns, our decision also reflects a broader strategic shift:
- Focus on Core Markets: As we concentrated resources on other priority areas, it became impractical to maintain the additional verification and security measures required for this particular hiring market.
- Data Privacy Considerations: Given the nature of our work in cybersecurity and law enforcement technology, we require team members to operate under jurisdictions with robust data protection frameworks and enforceable privacy regulations.
Important Clarifications
We want to be absolutely clear on several points:
- We Are Not Anti-Filipino: AckerWorx values diversity and continues to employ Filipino professionals who reside in countries with stronger regulatory frameworks around data privacy and professional conduct.
- This Is Not a Blanket Judgment: The Philippines has many talented and ethical professionals. Our decision relates specifically to the challenges we encountered in our direct hiring processes from this region, not a reflection on Filipino professionals as a whole.
- Existing Team Members: Filipino team members who joined us through proper channels and who operate under appropriate jurisdictional oversight continue to be valued colleagues.
Protecting Our Integrity
The issues we encountered are not unique to any single countryâsimilar challenges exist in many emerging markets. However, the concentration of these incidents during our Philippines recruitment campaigns, combined with our shift in strategic focus, made this pause necessary.
For companies considering similar hiring initiatives, we recommend:
- Implementing robust identity verification processes
- Using unique, time-limited assessment materials
- Monitoring for unauthorized disclosure of proprietary content
- Verifying employment claims through official channels
Conclusion
AckerWorx's decision to limit hiring in the Philippines reflects our commitment to maintaining a workforce that aligns with our core values and work ethics. This decision was driven by documented security incidents and strategic priorities, not by any prejudice against Filipino professionals. We continue to work with talented individuals from the Philippines who are based in jurisdictions with appropriate regulatory frameworks, and we remain open to reassessing our position as circumstances evolve.