When you welcome a new team member, you probably focus on making sure they have what they need: a laptop, an email account, access to the right systems, and a warm introduction to the team.

But there is something else to consider. Those first few months are actually one of the riskiest times for your business’s cybersecurity.

It often goes unnoticed, but the numbers are eye-opening. Nearly three-quarters of new hires fall for phishing or social engineering attacks within their first 90 days on the job. Cybercriminals are actively targeting your newest team members, and all too often, they succeed.

Why does this happen?

Starting a new job is exciting but can also be overwhelming. New hires want to make a good impression, but they might not know all the ins and outs just yet. That eagerness to do things right can make them more likely to follow instructions, even if something feels a little off.

Cybercriminals know this. They craft emails or messages that look like they come from the boss, HR, or tech support. These scams might ask your new hire to update their details on a fake HR portal, pay a bogus invoice, or respond to a message that looks urgent.

Since new employees have not yet learned who is who or what “normal” looks like in your business, they are much more likely to fall for these tricks. In fact, new team members are 44 percent more likely to click on phishing attempts than colleagues who have been around longer. When attackers pretend to be company executives, new hires are 45 percent more likely to respond than seasoned staff.

That is a big gap, and it highlights just how important the onboarding period is for your overall security.

So, what can you do?

The best approach is to make cybersecurity part of the welcome process. Those early days are exactly when new team members need clear, simple guidance on spotting phishing emails, understanding how scams work, and knowing what to do if something does not seem right.

Businesses that offer tailored security awareness training and run realistic simulations for new staff see real results. One recent report found that companies who do this saw their phishing risk drop by 30 percent after onboarding. That is proof that a little extra effort up front goes a long way.

While good security software is still important, your people are your first line of defense. Giving your newest team members the right tools and knowledge helps protect your business from day one.

If you would like help setting up simple, effective cybersecurity training for new hires, or want to talk about making your business more secure overall, we are here for you. Let’s work together to keep your team and your business safe. Reach out any time - our team loves making tech work for you.