When you bring on a new employee, your focus is likely on access, onboarding, and setting them up for success. But here’s what most business owners overlook — that new hire may also be your biggest cybersecurity risk.

In fact, according to recent research, 71% of new employees fall victim to phishing or social engineering attacks within their first 90 days. That makes the onboarding period one of the most vulnerable windows for your business.

And if you’re in Metro Atlanta — where cyberattacks are on the rise — the stakes are even higher.

🎯 Why New Employees Are Prime Targets for Hackers

Starting a new job means adjusting to new systems, new people, and new workflows. That uncertainty is exactly what cybercriminals exploit. They create fake emails that look like they come from:

  • The boss asking for a “quick favor”
  • HR requesting updated personal details
  • IT pretending to verify account access

Because new hires haven’t yet learned what’s normal and who’s who, they’re more likely to trust and act on these requests — often without questioning them.

According to security experts:

  • New employees are 44% more likely to click on phishing emails
  • They’re 45% more likely to be deceived by messages impersonating company leaders

That’s a major risk to your sensitive data, client trust, and bottom line.

🧠 What Smart Metro Atlanta Businesses Are Doing Instead

It all starts with timing and training.

Too many companies wait to introduce cybersecurity policies until after onboarding. But the most successful companies take action before day one. They:

✅ Provide clear, beginner-friendly cyber hygiene training during onboarding
✅ Run phishing simulations to test awareness early
✅ Introduce password policies and MFA immediately
✅ Monitor login activity more closely during the first 90 days

In fact, companies that proactively train new hires during onboarding reduce phishing-related incidents by 30%.

🔐 Technology Alone Isn’t Enough

While your firewall and antivirus software are essential, your people are the first line of defense.

That’s why cybersecurity should be a shared responsibility — from your leadership to your newest hire.

At Custech, we help Metro Atlanta businesses implement easy, effective training programs that empower new team members and protect your data from day one.

📞 Let’s Secure Your Team from the Start

Whether you’ve got one new hire or ten, now is the time to build cybersecurity into your onboarding process — not after something goes wrong.

Need help? Let us handle the training, protection, and ongoing monitoring — so you can focus on growing your business.

👉  Schedule Your Free 10-Minute Cybersecurity Call
📞 Or call us at 770.792.6700

Let us manage your network so you can manage your business.

💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are new employees more vulnerable to cyberattacks?

New hires are unfamiliar with internal processes and may not recognize red flags like phishing emails or fake login pages. Their eagerness to follow directions also makes them more likely to fall for social engineering scams.

What is social engineering in cybersecurity?

Social engineering is a tactic used by cybercriminals to trick people into sharing sensitive information or performing actions that compromise security — often by pretending to be someone they trust (like a manager or IT support).

How can I protect my business during onboarding?

Start by training every new hire on how to spot phishing emails, set up multi-factor authentication, and understand your company’s security policies. Use phishing simulations and real-time monitoring for added protection.

Do I need a formal cybersecurity training program?

Yes. Even small businesses benefit from structured training. It reduces human error and ensures all employees — new and existing — understand their role in keeping your company secure.

Can Custech help train my team?

Absolutely. We offer tailored onboarding cybersecurity programs and ongoing employee training designed specifically for Metro Atlanta businesses.