When you hire someone new, your focus is usually on getting them set up with a laptop, email account, access to systems, and a quick intro to the team. But there’s one crucial area that often gets missed: cyber security for new employees.
The Hidden Risk in the First 90 Days
New research shows that cyber criminals target 71% of new hires with phishing or social engineering attacks in their first 90 days. That’s nearly three-quarters of new employees falling victim and it’s no accident.
Why Are New Starters Targeted?
Starting a new job can be overwhelming. New employees want to make a good impression, don’t yet know internal processes, and are still figuring out who’s who. Hackers take advantage of this confusion. They send emails that look like they’re from HR, IT, or senior leadership, asking for login details, urgent payments, or sensitive information.
Because new hires haven’t learned what’s normal yet, they’re 44% more likely to click on phishing links than experienced staff. Even worse, when attackers pretend to be executives, new employees are 45% more likely to fall for the scam.
How to Protect Your Business
The fix is simple: start cyber security training on day one. Tailored awareness training and phishing simulations during onboarding can cut phishing risk by 30%. That’s a big improvement and it starts with being proactive.
For guidance on phishing simulations, check out NCSC’s phishing guidance.
Your Team Is the First Line of Defence
Security software and firewalls are important, but they can’t catch every threat. Your team, especially new starters, are your first line of defence. When you give them the tools to spot threats early, you protect your people and your business.
Want to improve your onboarding process? Make cyber security awareness part of your induction and company culture from day one.
Need Help Getting Started?
We help businesses like yours roll out simple, effective cyber security training for new employees, so you stay protected from day one.
Get in touch with us today to learn more.
