New Employees Can Be Your Biggest Cybersecurity Risk — Here’s Why

Hiring someone new is always exciting. You’re focused on getting them set up with a laptop, email account, and access to the right tools. Maybe you introduce them to the team and let them settle in.

But here’s the part most business owners don’t think about: those first few weeks are also one of the riskiest times for your company’s cybersecurity.

And it’s a risk that’s often completely overlooked.

Why new hires are prime targets

Recent studies show that nearly 3 out of 4 new employees (71%) fall for phishing or social engineering attacks in their first 90 days. In other words, cybercriminals are deliberately going after your newest team members—and too often, they succeed.

Think about what it’s like to start a new job. You don’t know all the systems yet. You’re eager to do the right thing. You’re trying hard to make a good impression.

Hackers know this. They exploit that uncertainty with messages that look like they’re from HR, tech support, or even your leadership team.

• A fake HR portal asking the employee to “update details.”

• A bogus invoice marked “urgent.”

• An email pretending to be from a manager requesting sensitive information.

Since new hires haven’t learned what’s “normal” in your company, they’re 44% more likely to click a malicious link than seasoned staff. And when the email looks like it’s from a company executive? New employees are 45% more likely to fall for it.

That’s a huge gap—and a serious risk.

What this means for your business

It shows just how vulnerable your company can be during the onboarding stage. But the good news is, you can do something about it.

The key is timing. Cybersecurity training shouldn’t wait until a new hire is fully settled in. The first days are exactly when they need simple, clear guidance on spotting suspicious emails, understanding common scams, and knowing how to report them.

Training that makes a difference

Businesses that act early see a big payoff. Research shows that companies offering tailored security training and running real-world phishing simulations cut their risk by 30% after onboarding.

That’s a massive improvement—and it proves that giving new hires the right knowledge from day one can protect your entire business.

People are your first line of defense

Yes, security software, firewalls, and antivirus tools are vital. But technology alone can’t stop every threat. Your people are your frontline defense. And your newest team members might be the weakest link—unless you prepare them.

Take action today

If you want to keep your business safe, make security training a standard part of onboarding. A little extra effort up front goes a long way in preventing costly mistakes.

Need help setting up simple, effective cybersecurity training for new employees? Or want to talk about strengthening your company’s overall security? We’re here to help—get in touch.

Next Steps

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