As HR professionals continue to rely on digital tools for payroll, benefits, onboarding and employee communication, cybercriminals are adapting their tactics just as quickly. Phishing remains one of the most common entry points for fraud, and attackers increasingly target HR departments because of their access to sensitive employee information and financial systems.
Looking ahead to 2026, several trends are emerging that HR teams should be prepared to recognize and address.
More convincing impersonation attempts
Criminals are now using publicly available company information, social media activity and even AI tools to craft messages that closely mimic internal communication. HR may receive emails or texts that appear to be from executives, payroll contacts or benefits vendors. These messages often request urgent action, such as updating bank details or sending documents.
Attacks aimed at direct deposit changes
One of the fastest growing schemes involves attackers posing as employees and asking HR to change their payroll deposit information. These requests may come from look-alike email addresses or hacked personal accounts. Because HR is accustomed to processing these changes, scammers are betting that a well-timed request will slip through without verification.
Fake onboarding and recruiting communications
As organizations ramp up hiring, attackers are exploiting the recruiting process by submitting fraudulent applications with malware-laden attachments or linking to fake HR portals. They may also impersonate candidates or new hires to request sensitive information that HR would typically exchange as part of onboarding.
Vendor and benefits impersonation
Criminals increasingly pose as benefit administrators, COBRA vendors, retirement plan partners or insurance carriers. These messages often reference plan renewals, compliance deadlines or updated policies to encourage HR teams to click a link or share information. Because HR interacts with many external providers, these attacks are becoming harder to spot.
Text-based phishing (smishing) on the rise
More phishing messages are moving from email to text, especially for organizations with remote teams. Attackers may pretend to be managers asking for urgent help or benefits vendors seeking confirmation of employee information.
What HR teams can do now
To prepare for the year ahead, HR should:
As these tactics evolve, HR’s role in protecting employee information becomes even more important. Staying aware of new phishing trends and maintaining strong verification processes will help reduce risk and strengthen the organization’s overall security posture heading into 2026.
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This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, tax, or benefits advice. Readers should not rely on this information for taking (or not taking) any action relating to employment, compliance, or benefits. Always consult with a qualified professional before making decisions based on this content.