Guardians of the Inbox: How HR Can Combat the Surge in Cyber Scams

The Quiet Risk Facing HR

Cyber scams aren’t new, but the way they’re showing up in HR inboxes is becoming harder to ignore. Recent reports show that more than 60% of phishing attempts in 2025 are disguised as internal emails, and HR topics are among the most common hooks.

Think about it—messages that look like performance reviews, reimbursement requests, or time-off approvals feel routine. That’s what makes them dangerous. One of the most clicked phishing test subjects this year was: “Microsoft Teams: You have been added as a guest to [[company_name]] Strategic Planning.” It looks harmless, but one click can open the door to major risks.

Why HR Is a Prime Target

HR sits at a crossroads of employee data, company policies, and everyday communication. That central role makes the department an attractive target for cybercriminals looking for sensitive information. New hires are especially vulnerable—studies show that more than 70% of them fall for phishing attempts within their first three months on the job.

What HR Can Do to Stay Ahead

1. Build security into onboarding
New employees are often the easiest entry point for scammers. Training on spotting phishing attempts should be part of onboarding, not something saved for later.

2. Strengthen email defenses
Smart filtering tools can stop many scams before they ever reach an inbox. These tools scan for suspicious content, links, and senders—helping reduce human error.

3. Keep protocols fresh
Cyber threats don’t stand still, and neither should security policies. Regularly updating passwords, requiring multi-factor authentication, and reviewing access to sensitive systems are now basic expectations.

4. Encourage a “see something, say something” culture
Employees should feel comfortable flagging suspicious messages. Reinforcing that behavior with reminders, resources, and even phishing simulations helps build habits that protect the whole organization.

Final Thought

Phishing emails may look like small annoyances, but for HR teams, they represent a serious organizational risk. By weaving cybersecurity awareness into training, communication, and culture, HR departments can help shut the door on scams before they spread.

Protecting the inbox isn’t just an IT responsibility—it’s part of HR’s role in safeguarding people and the information they trust the organization to handle.