Two recent developments—one involving a cybersecurity threat and another tied to workforce restructuring—are shaping conversations about employment in the U.S. In the latest CEO Sound Off episode of The Philippine Business Playbook, Tahche Bryan and Vicky weigh in on both stories, offering perspective on how offshoring can help businesses navigate challenges without compromising on security or sustainability.

Cybercrime Through Remote Work: A Warning for Employers

A report by The Wall Street Journal reveals that North Korean operatives have successfully infiltrated hundreds of U.S. companies by securing remote jobs under false identities. Using “laptop farms,” fake documentation, and intermediaries, including unsuspecting Americans, these workers earned millions while bypassing international sanctions and accessing sensitive corporate information.

The scam was elaborate: Some individuals even set up Zoom calls, masked IPs through VPNs, and facilitated dozens of false hires. Even some of the biggest corporations were duped, showing how vulnerable the remote hiring process can be when it relies solely on gig platforms, like Upwork, with limited identity verification.

Bryan emphasizes the importance of working with a vetted and reliable offshore partner. At Tahche, identity verification, background checks, credit and criminal history reviews, and structured interviews are common practice. On-site employee events and an offshore office also allow for continuous oversight and team validation, both critical steps in ensuring security and compliance in remote hiring.

Workforce Restructuring and the Resilience of Offshore Teams

While cybersecurity headlines have dominated the tech space, another development made waves in the professional services sector: PwC is laying off around 2% of its U.S. national workforce, affecting roughly 1,500 employees in its audit and tax departments. This move reflects industrywide slowdowns and declining attrition rates, with Big Four firms rebalancing teams in response to stalled revenue growth.

Still, unemployment in the U.S. remains relatively low, and many businesses continue to experience difficulty filling key roles. According to Bryan, the job market remains tight. Many companies, especially those that weathered the pandemic, are hesitant to lay off workers or aggressively restructure. Instead, they are turning to offshore hiring to strike a balance between stability and scalability.

Creating a global workforce makes your business more resilient. Bryan emphasizes that any challenge is also an opportunity. If it’s becoming harder to find qualified staff, it’s likely your competitors are experiencing the same issue. Companies that explore offshore hiring gain a strategic edge: filling gaps faster and at scale. With the right partner, these organizations can pivot more quickly, remain fully operational, and seize opportunities others may miss. It’s all about perspective and long-term strategy.

Building a Sustainable Workforce with Offshore Support

For companies that want to grow without overextending, offshoring with a trusted partner offers an efficient alternative. Businesses can expand capabilities while keeping labor costs predictable and operations secure. At Tahche, every engagement includes legal protection, workforce oversight, and people-first HR practices, making it easier for businesses to scale responsibly.

Whether you’re navigating cybersecurity concerns or adapting to labor market fluctuations, thoughtful offshoring provides a strategic advantage. It’s not just about finding the right talent. It’s about doing it in a way that protects your business and supports long-term growth.