New Team Member… or New Security Risk?
Every business gets excited about bringing on new talent — fresh energy, new ideas, and an extra set of hands to help the team thrive.
But there’s something few owners consider in those first few weeks:
Every new hire is also a new cybersecurity risk.
It’s not because they mean to be.
It’s because they’re the most vulnerable people in your organization right now — and cybercriminals know it.
A recent study found that 71% of new hires fall for phishing or social engineering attacks within their first 90 days.
That makes your onboarding period one of the most critical times to reinforce your company’s security posture.
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Why new hires are prime targets.
Think about the first days at a new job. Everything’s new — systems, processes, people. You’re trying to remember names, procedures, and policies. You’re eager to make a good impression, and you might be nervous about making mistakes.
Cybercriminals understand this psychological window.
They craft emails and messages that feel authentic and play on that uncertainty.
Some examples we’ve seen include:
• A fake HR email requesting an “update” to payroll info
• A message from “the boss” asking for a quick favor, like sending sensitive data
• A phishing link disguised as a mandatory onboarding video or training portal
And because new hires haven’t learned your normal communication patterns yet, they’re 44% more likely to click a malicious link or download an infected file than experienced staff.
When the attacker poses as an executive or manager, the risk jumps to 45% more likely to be fooled.
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The ripple effect of one mistake.
One innocent click doesn’t just affect that employee — it can take down your entire network.
Once inside, attackers move fast:
• They steal credentials and access shared drives
• Deploy ransomware to lock systems
• Use compromised accounts to target clients or vendors
A single employee error can create hours or days of downtime, cost thousands in recovery, and damage client trust.
And here’s the tough truth: many businesses don’t realize their exposure until it’s too late.
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How to make onboarding a line of defense, not a liability
The best time to build security awareness is before habits form.
That means cybersecurity shouldn’t wait until your new hire “settles in.”
It needs to start on day one — just like payroll, HR forms, and safety briefings.
Here’s what we recommend to our Managed and Co-Managed clients:
1️⃣ Embed security into onboarding.
Give new employees security training as part of orientation — how to identify phishing, handle sensitive data, and report concerns.
Use real-world examples so they understand how attackers operate, not just generic warnings.
2️⃣ Provide simulated phishing tests.
Phishing simulations teach recognition and response without the real-world risk.
They also help identify employees who might need extra guidance — before a real attack hits.
3️⃣ Establish clear reporting procedures.
Most employees who fall for a scam don’t report it because they’re afraid of getting in trouble.
Normalize quick, judgment-free reporting. One early alert can save your business from major damage.
4️⃣ Limit early access.
New hires should only have access to the systems they absolutely need during their first weeks.
As they gain experience and demonstrate understanding, access can be expanded gradually.
5️⃣ Partner with an IT team that monitors continuously.
Even with great training, mistakes can happen.
That’s where Managed or Co-Managed IT Services make the difference — with real-time threat monitoring, automated alerts, and rapid response if anything suspicious happens.
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Security is everyone’s job.
Technology alone can’t prevent attacks — people must be part of the defense.
By educating, equipping, and empowering your new hires, you’re strengthening every layer of your business’s cybersecurity.
And when your IT team, leadership, and staff all share that responsibility, your organization becomes far more resilient to whatever comes next.
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Make new hire onboarding a strength, not a risk.
At Honorbound IT, we help businesses across Nebraska, Kansas, and Colorado protect their people and systems from day one.
Whether you manage everything in-house or work alongside an internal IT team, our Managed and Co-Managed Services include:
• Comprehensive employee cybersecurity training
• Simulated phishing programs
• Onboarding and offboarding security protocols
• 24/7 monitoring and rapid response
When your business grows, your cybersecurity strategy should grow with it.
📞 Call 877-686-6642 today to schedule your Cybersecurity Onboarding Review and find out how we can help you protect your newest team members — and your entire network — from day one.
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