Ian Robertson
When your business hires someone new, you’re probably focused on making sure they have the tools to get started. A working laptop, their email account, access to the right systems, and maybe even a friendly introduction to the team.
But have you ever stopped to think about how secure your business really is during those first few weeks of employment?
The truth is that the onboarding period is one of the riskiest times for your company’s CyberSecurity. Criminals know this, and they exploit it.
Why New Hires Are Targeted
Starting a new job is stressful. New employees are eager to do well, but they don’t yet know every process, every face, or what “normal” communication looks like inside your company. That lack of familiarity makes them a prime target.
Research has shown that 71% of new hires fall for phishing or social engineering attacks in their first 90 days. That means nearly three out of every four new staff members are tricked by a scam before they’ve even completed their probation period.
Even more concerning, new employees are 44% more likely to click on phishing attempts than experienced colleagues, and when criminals pose as managers or executives, new staff are 45% more likely to believe the deception.
Cybercriminals take advantage of this. They may send emails that look like they come from HR asking the new hire to “update personal details” on a fake portal. They may send invoices that appear urgent. Or they may impersonate a senior leader, asking for passwords or requesting access to confidential files.
Because new staff don’t yet know the warning signs, they’re far more likely to fall into these traps.
The Cost of Overlooking Training
When a new hire is caught by a phishing attack, the damage can extend far beyond a single inbox. One compromised account can expose sensitive company data, financial information, or even client details. For a small or medium business, this can quickly escalate into a serious breach.
What makes the situation worse is that many businesses delay formal CyberSecurity training until the employee has “settled in”. That delay creates a dangerous gap—exactly the window criminals are looking to exploit.
Why Onboarding Needs CyberSecurity
Security training isn’t something that can wait. The onboarding process is the best time to set expectations and build awareness. By making CyberSecurity part of the very first conversations, businesses can reduce risks from day one.
Effective onboarding should cover:
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Recognizing phishing emails and scams – Teaching new staff how to spot unusual requests or suspicious links.
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Understanding company processes – Making clear who requests what, and how communication normally works.
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Knowing what to do when in doubt – Encouraging employees to ask questions before clicking, forwarding, or sharing data.
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Reporting suspicious activity – Showing how and where to report questionable emails or messages quickly.
Businesses that put CyberSecurity into onboarding see measurable results. Studies show that organizations running tailored awareness training and simulations during hiring reduced phishing risk by up to 30%. That’s a significant improvement—especially for small to medium businesses where resources are tighter.
Technology Matters, But People Matter More
Firewalls, anti-virus software, and advanced monitoring tools are all essential. But they’re not enough on their own. Cybercriminals often bypass technical defences by targeting people directly.
That’s why your employees—particularly your newest ones—are your first line of defence. Training equips them with the awareness to pause, question, and protect the business before attackers can get a foothold.
Practical Steps for Business Owners
If you’re an owner or manager of a small to medium business, here are some practical steps you can take to strengthen CyberSecurity during onboarding:
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Start training immediately – Don’t wait for probation to end. Provide CyberSecurity awareness on day one.
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Tailor training to real threats – Use examples of phishing attempts or scams that have targeted similar businesses.
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Run simulations – Send test phishing emails during the first 90 days. It helps employees practice identifying threats.
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Encourage questions – Make it clear that asking before acting is always the right choice.
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Reinforce regularly – One session isn’t enough. Provide refreshers during the first few months to build confidence.
By combining these steps with good technology practices, you create a layered approach—one that protects your systems while building a culture of security among staff.
Building a Security-First Culture
CyberSecurity isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a cultural one. A workplace that normalizes caution, communication, and accountability creates fewer opportunities for criminals to succeed.
For new employees, this culture sends a clear message: security is part of their role, right from the start. It tells them they’re not expected to “just know everything”—instead, they’re supported, guided, and encouraged to learn how to protect both themselves and the company.
And in the long run, this approach pays off. Staff who begin their careers with proper CyberSecurity training are more likely to maintain good habits, pass them on to others, and contribute to a stronger overall defence.
Looking Ahead
The digital landscape is only getting more complex. Criminals are refining their tactics, and small to medium businesses continue to be prime targets. As AI-driven attacks and more sophisticated scams emerge, the weakest points of entry will continue to be people—particularly new hires still learning the ropes.
Investing in CyberSecurity during onboarding is no longer optional. It’s a necessity. Businesses that recognize this and act early will be better prepared to face the evolving threat environment.
Conclusion
A new hire brings fresh ideas, skills, and opportunities for your business. But they can also bring new risks if left unprepared. By making CyberSecurity training part of your onboarding process, you reduce vulnerabilities, protect your data, and build a stronger culture of security across your workplace.
The first 90 days of employment don’t have to be your weakest point—they can become the foundation of your strongest defence.
At Robertson Technology Group, based in Victoria, BC, we understand the unique challenges small and medium businesses face when it comes to CyberSecurity. Our team provides managed technology security and support solutions that take the burden of IT management off your plate—so you can focus on running your business. Unlike larger providers, we offer a personalized approach, getting to know you and your operations so we can recommend the right combination of tools and strategies. Whether it’s supporting onboarding, strengthening training, or monitoring your systems across Canada, our focus is on keeping your business secure and reliable. With Robertson Technology Group as your partner, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your technology and CyberSecurity needs are handled by a team that treats your success as our own.
