Cybersecurity for New Starters: The Essential SMB Starter Pack

Every new employee brings something valuable to your business; fresh energy, ideas, and enthusiasm. But they can also bring something riskier: inexperience with your IT systems.

From weak passwords to clicking suspicious links, even the best new hire can accidentally open the door to cyber threats and that’s why every onboarding plan should include cybersecurity for new starters. It’s not just about ticking compliance boxes; it’s about protecting your business from day one.

At Commercial Networks, we help SMBs build practical, easy-to-follow training that creates confident, security-aware teams. Here’s how to give every new employee the right start.

Cybersecurity for New Starters: Why It Matters

SMBs are prime targets for cybercrime because attackers know one thing: people make mistakes. A single click on a phishing link, an unapproved app, or a misplaced USB stick can cause downtime, data loss, or regulatory headaches.

According to the UK Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025, 59% of medium-sized businesses reported a cyber incident last year, and most involved some form of human error.

New employees, eager to make a good impression, are particularly vulnerable; they may not yet understand which emails to trust, how to handle data, or the importance of updating devices. That’s why onboarding should always include employee cyber awareness as a core skill, not an afterthought.

1. Start with Passwords and MFA

The simplest defences are often the strongest, teach staff how to create long, unique passwords, or better yet, use a password manager.

Encourage multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. MFA prevents 99% of password-based attacks, according to Microsoft.

At Commercial Networks, we help clients implement secure, easy-to-use MFA solutions across Microsoft 365 and other cloud platforms.

2. Teach Phishing Awareness Early

Phishing remains the most common cyberattack, and new hires are often the first targets.

Include real-world examples in induction training: fake invoices, “urgent” HR emails, and messages pretending to be from leadership. Make sure staff know:

Never click unexpected links or attachments.
Always verify sender addresses.
Report suspicious emails immediately.

Running simulated phishing tests through your MSP or IT team helps reinforce this training. It’s not about catching people out, it’s about building instincts.

3. Safe Use of Work Devices

With hybrid working here to stay, new employees may be using laptops and mobiles at home or on the move. Set clear expectations around device security:

Use company-approved devices only.
Keep software up to date.
Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive work.
Lock screens when away from desks.

For additional safety, consider endpoint management tools that enforce these policies automatically. Our Managed IT Services include this as standard, so businesses don’t have to rely on manual compliance.

4. Data Handling and Storage

One of the most overlooked parts of SMB security training is data management. New employees should know:

What constitutes confidential data.
Where files should be saved (and where they shouldn’t).
How to share information securely inside and outside the organisation.

Link this training to your GDPR policy or ask your MSP to help update it. Mis-sent emails and unsecured file sharing are among the most common breaches we see.

5. How to Report a Problem

Even with great training, mistakes happen and the difference between a small hiccup and a full-blown breach often comes down to how fast it’s reported.

Encourage staff to speak up immediately – without fear of blame – if they think something’s wrong. Make it clear who to contact (your IT provider, line manager, or security lead).

At Commercial Networks, we set up simple reporting channels for our clients so employees can flag issues instantly, day or night.

Building a Culture of Employee Cyber Awareness

The goal isn’t to make new hires paranoid, it’s to make them confident.
Create a culture where security is part of everyday work, not a once-a-year presentation.

Ways to reinforce it:

Regular refresher training sessions.
Cybersecurity awareness campaigns during events like Cyber Security Awareness Month.
Recognition for staff who spot and report threats early.

The NCSC’s Small Business Guide is a great resource to share internally.

Cybersecurity Starts on Day One

Your newest team member could also be your weakest link unless they’re equipped with the right habits from the start.

By integrating cybersecurity for new starters into your onboarding process, you’re not just protecting data, you’re protecting productivity, trust, and reputation.

At Commercial Networks, we make security simple. From IT Health Checks to Managed IT Services, we help SMBs build cyber-aware cultures where every employee becomes part of the defence.