At TecnetOne, we believe every new team member represents a real opportunity to strengthen cybersecurity from within. It’s not just about teaching them how the company works or what their role on the team is. It’s also crucial to prepare them from day one to recognize and respond to the digital threats we face daily.
Today, 90% of cyberattacks have one thing in common: human error. That’s why protecting your organization doesn’t just mean having good systems or firewalls in place—it also means properly training your people, starting with the newest hires.
Having a clear and well-implemented cybersecurity strategy for employees from day one can make all the difference. A strong onboarding program doesn’t just inform—it equips. It gives employees the tools to spot suspicious behavior, avoid common mistakes, and act securely in their digital day-to-day.
In this article, we’ll show you how cybercriminals target employees and what essential elements every cybersecurity onboarding program should include.
Why Cybersecurity Onboarding Is No Longer Optional
The numbers speak for themselves: over the past year, ransomware attacks have increased by 715%, phishing by 600%, and Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams by more than 200%. And the most alarming part? 90% of successful cyberattacks start with human error.
These days, cybercriminals don’t just rely on technology—they go straight for the people. The “human factor” has become their favorite target. Why? Because it’s easier to trick someone with a fake email than to break through a well-configured security system.
They use social engineering tactics, impersonate trusted contacts, and look for that one accidental click that opens the door to the entire corporate network.
That’s why, when it comes to cybersecurity, your employees aren’t just users—they’re your first line of defense. And being part of that defense must start on day one.
Implementing a solid cybersecurity onboarding process isn’t just another box to check—it’s a direct investment in your company’s protection. And the best part? It comes with real, measurable benefits, such as:
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Reducing the risk of successful attacks
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Building awareness from the start
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Creating more alert, responsible, and proactive employees
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Aligning new hires with the company’s security policies
In short, it’s not just about teaching—it’s about empowering. If your new team members understand the risks from the beginning, they’ll be better prepared to recognize them and act responsibly.
Read more: Why are phishing attacks still working in 2025?
Key Cybersecurity Topics Every New Employee Should Know
At TecnetOne, we’re clear on one thing: cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. It doesn’t matter whether you’re talking to someone who just joined, a team leader, or a senior executive—every individual plays a crucial role in keeping the organization protected from their position.
That’s why, from day one, new employees must be trained in these five key areas of cybersecurity. Not only do they reduce risk, but they also help build a strong and sustainable security culture.
1. Strong Passwords: Your First Line of Defense
It might seem basic, but many security breaches start with a weak password. New employees need to learn how to create unique, long, and hard-to-guess passwords using a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. No more “123456” or “company2025.”
They also need to understand the importance of using multi-factor authentication (MFA)—that second login step (like a code sent to your phone) that adds an extra layer of protection if someone gets your password.
2. Phishing and Email Scams: Spotting the Fakes Before You Click
Cybercriminals are experts at tricking people with messages that seem legitimate—emails, text messages, even phone calls. The goal is simple: to get someone to reveal sensitive information or click a malicious link.
During onboarding, new employees should learn to identify warning signs such as:
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Unusual or urgent requests
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Suspicious attachments
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Links with odd-looking URLs
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Messages from someone who “seems” familiar but doesn’t quite add up
And it’s not just traditional phishing—they should also watch out for Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams, where an attacker impersonates a boss or coworker to request confidential information or even money transfers. The best defense? Always verify through another channel before taking action.
3. Data Privacy and Device Security: Protecting What Matters
In daily work, it’s easy to let your guard down with data. But to maintain security, new hires must understand how to protect sensitive information and corporate devices.
Their training should include:
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Following internal data protection policies
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Avoiding unauthorized software installations
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Locking their computer when stepping away from their desk
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Immediately reporting lost or stolen devices
They should also be aware of the risks of browsing the web carelessly or connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. Whenever possible, they should use secure connections and ensure websites where they enter data have a security lock and begin with “https://”.
Read more: Cybersecurity Culture: What it is and How to Foster it in Your Company
4. Emerging Threats: The Latest in Digital Traps
The threat landscape is constantly evolving, and cybercriminals aren’t standing still. They’re now targeting everyday tools like Slack, Teams, or Zoom—platforms where it’s easy to let your guard down.
What’s more, with the rise of artificial intelligence, attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated:
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Deepfakes that mimic leaders or coworkers
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Fake websites that look completely real
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AI-generated messages that impersonate identities with unsettling accuracy
That’s why new employees need to understand that appearances are no longer a guarantee of safety. A well-written email or a seemingly normal request could be part of a targeted attack.
A solid cybersecurity training program must be dynamic and up to date, helping users recognize these emerging threats and act cautiously in any suspicious situation.
5. Best Practices for Reporting Security Incidents
One of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of cybersecurity training is teaching employees what to do when something doesn’t feel right.
First, it’s crucial to clearly and simply explain what qualifies as a security incident: from unusual network activity and unauthorized access attempts to suspicious emails or strange behavior on their devices.
At TecnetOne, we always recommend making it clear that no report is too small or too silly. If something seems off, it’s better to speak up. New hires should know that when in doubt, the right move is to immediately notify the IT or security team through the proper channels—whether that’s internal email, a ticketing system, or your company’s official reporting method.
It’s also important that they understand and follow your company’s incident response policies. Why? Because acting quickly and providing the right information can mean the difference between a minor scare and a serious issue.
And after an incident, it’s not just about “closing the case.” Encouraging employees to reflect on what happened and learn from it is a great way to reinforce digital security awareness. Every situation is a chance to improve.
Conclusion: Building a Security Culture from Day One
Preparing new employees to become cybersecurity advocates isn’t just a best practice—it’s a necessity, especially given how quickly cybercriminal tactics evolve and how human error remains one of the main entry points for attacks.
At TecnetOne, we know that a well-designed cybersecurity onboarding strategy not only protects your company from within but also helps build a strong, conscious, and collaborative security culture.
And there’s no better time to reinforce this commitment than during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, celebrated every October. It’s the perfect opportunity to review your policies, update training materials, and remind the entire team that security starts with each of us. Because at the end of the day, your best defense isn’t the technology—it’s the people who use it every day.
