When you hire someone new, you think about their laptop, email access, and introductions to the team. But how often do you think about their impact on cybersecurity?
The reality is that a new hire’s first few weeks are among the riskiest times for your business. During that early learning period, they’re far more likely to fall for phishing or social engineering attacks – and cybercriminals know it.
Recent studies show nearly 71% of new employees are tricked by phishing or social engineering attempts within their first 90 days. That’s not a small number – it’s a flashing warning sign for businesses that rely on email and digital collaboration every day.
Why New Hires Are a Prime Target
Starting a new job is overwhelming. You’re learning new systems, adjusting to unfamiliar processes, and eager to make a good impression. Cybercriminals exploit that uncertainty.
Attackers often pose as HR, a manager, or tech support. Their messages look official and urgent – “update your payroll info,” “approve this invoice,” or “verify your credentials.” Because a new employee doesn’t yet know who’s who or what’s normal, they’re more likely to comply without hesitation.
In fact, new hires are 44% more likely to click a malicious link and 45% more likely to trust fake messages from someone impersonating leadership. One wrong click can lead to credential theft, malware installation, or even a full-scale data breach.
The Real Cost of a Simple Mistake
It only takes one incident to cause serious disruption. Compromised accounts can lock out users, expose client data, or spread malware through shared systems. For small and mid-sized businesses, the financial and reputational fallout can be devastating.
The good news? This risk is preventable – if cybersecurity becomes part of your onboarding process instead of an afterthought.
How to Strengthen Security From Day One
Too many organizations delay security awareness training until employees are “settled in.” Unfortunately, that’s exactly when the damage can happen. Those first few weeks are when new hires need the most guidance.
Here’s how forward-thinking businesses approach it:
Integrate cybersecurity into onboarding.
Training should happen right alongside HR paperwork and IT setup. Teach new employees how to recognize phishing, avoid suspicious links, and verify messages before acting.
Simulate real-world scenarios.
Phishing simulations are one of the most effective ways to reduce risk. Companies that run them during onboarding see phishing success rates drop by up to 30% within the first three months.
Reinforce communication norms.
Make sure new team members know how your organization communicates about credentials, passwords, and payments. Encourage them to confirm requests through known channels if anything seems odd.
Keep access limited and intentional.
Work with IT to ensure new employees only have access to the systems and data they need for their role. Gradual access expansion helps limit exposure if an account is compromised.
Foster a culture of reporting.
Make it clear that no one will be blamed for asking questions or reporting suspicious activity. A culture of vigilance is one of the most powerful defenses a business can build.
If you’re building your own onboarding materials, free resources like CISA Cybersecurity Awareness Training can help employees recognize phishing and social engineering attempts early.
Even the best technology can’t protect your business without a well-trained team. That’s why Mentis Group pairs our Enhanced Cybersecurity Services with training and onboarding strategies that help your employees become your strongest defense.”
Where Mentis Group Comes In
At Mentis Group, we understand that cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls and software…it’s about people. Every part of our Managed IT and IT Support solutions integrates proactive security to protect your business before, during, and after onboarding.
We help businesses in Dallas – Fort Worth, Houston, across Texas and nationwide develop secure onboarding processes, train new hires effectively, and manage user access with precision. From phishing simulations to automated provisioning and deprovisioning workflows, we make security seamless.
Your newest employees shouldn’t be your weakest link. With the right approach, they can become an active part of your defense strategy from day one.
For companies who manage IT in-house or partner with a provider, Mentis Group offers Co-Managed IT solutions that align with your processes, strengthen your security posture, and scale with your growth.
Let’s make onboarding smarter, safer, and more secure.
Contact us today to discuss how our built-in cybersecurity solutions keep your people – and your business – protected.