When you welcome a new team member, you’re probably focused on all the right things:
- Getting their computer set up
- Creating their email account
- Granting access to the tools and data they’ll need
- Making those first-day intros
But here’s what most businesses overlook…
Those first few weeks on the job are one of the riskiest times for your cybersecurity.
And attackers know it.
Why New Hires Are Prime Targets
New research reveals a concerning trend: 71% of new employees fall victim to phishing or social engineering attacks within their first 90 days.
That’s nearly three-quarters of your new starters.
It’s not because they’re careless — it’s because they are unprepared, and cybercriminals are smart.
Think about the mindset of someone starting a new job:
- They’re eager to impress.
- They don’t know what’s “normal” yet.
- They’re following instructions from anyone who appears to be management.
So when a message pops up that looks like it’s from HR, IT, or a manager — asking them to click a link, reset a password, or process an invoice — they act. Fast.
And that’s exactly what the bad guys are counting on.
The Psychology Behind the Attack
Hackers love new hires because they’re operating in what psychologists call the “uncertainty zone”. They haven’t learned the red flags yet.
That fake HR portal? Looks legit.
That “urgent” message from the CEO? Sounds believable.
That password reset email? Probably routine.
In fact, new employees are 44% more likely to click on a phishing link than seasoned staff. And when the attacker pretends to be an executive, that number jumps even higher — 45% more likely to fall for it.
That’s a huge blind spot for your business.
How to Protect Your Newest (and Weakest) Link
Here’s the truth: if your security training happens after onboarding, you’re already too late.
The first day is the best day to start building good habits.
The businesses that do this well don’t wait. They:
- Include cybersecurity awareness training in onboarding
- Run phishing simulations early and often
- Encourage questions — “Does this email seem off?” should be a safe conversation
And it works. Companies that do this see a 30% drop in phishing risk among new hires.
That’s not a small win — that’s a massive boost in protection.
People Are the Front Line
Firewalls, antivirus software, and fancy tools are important — but they can’t stop someone from clicking the wrong link.
Your people are your first line of defense.
And right now, your newest people might be your biggest gap.
Give them the knowledge, confidence, and clarity they need from their first day. Because a secure start is the best foundation for a secure business.
Build the human firewall.
If you’d like help creating an onboarding security program that’s simple, effective, and proven to work, we can help.
Let’s make your next new hire your strongest link — not your weakest.
