January 26, 2026
Right now, cybercriminals are mapping out their New Year's plans—not for self-improvement, but for cyber theft.
They're reflecting on their 2025 tactics and strategizing smarter, more convincing attacks to succeed in 2026.
Small businesses are their prime targets—not because of carelessness, but because your busy schedules create perfect opportunities.
Here's how cyber thieves plan to attack this year—and how you can stay one step ahead.
2026 Threat #1: Phishing Emails That Look Legitimate
The days of obvious scam emails with glaring errors are over.
With AI-crafted phishing, attackers send messages that:
- Sound authentic and natural
- Match your company's tone and terminology
- Refer to actual vendors you work with
- Avoid typical warning signs like typos or suspicious links
These emails rely on perfect timing—January's holiday distractions are the perfect cover.
Imagine this message:
"Hi [your actual name], I tried sending the updated invoice, but it bounced back. Can you confirm your current accounting email? Here's the new version attached. Let me know if you have questions. Thanks, [name of your actual vendor]"
No fake princes, no urgent wire transfers—just a believable note from someone you know.
Your defense:
- Empower your employees to verify requests for money or credentials through a separate communication channel.
- Implement advanced email filters that detect and flag impersonation attempts, especially from suspicious locations.
- Encourage a workplace culture where double-checking is praised, not criticized.
2026 Threat #2: Vendor and Executive Impersonation
This scam is dangerously convincing.
Receive emails like:
"Our bank details have changed. Please use this new account for all future payments."
Or urgent texts from "the CEO":
"Wire this now. I'm tied up in meetings and can't talk."
Even worse, deepfake audio is being used to mimic voices from video calls, podcasts, and voicemails, making impersonations incredibly believable.
Your defense:
- Set strict callback procedures for all bank account changes using verified phone numbers.
- Require voice confirmation for payment authorizations through reliable channels.
- Apply multi-factor authentication on all financial and administrative accounts to block unauthorized access.
2026 Threat #3: Intensified Targeting of Small Businesses
While large organizations have strengthened their defenses, small businesses are increasingly under fire due to less robust security protocols.
Instead of high-risk, high-reward attacks, criminals prefer multiple smaller breaches that almost always succeed.
Attackers know you often lack dedicated cybersecurity staff and juggle many roles, making you vulnerable.
Your defense:
- Adopt essential security measures like multi-factor authentication, regular system updates, and reliable backups to fortify your defenses.
- Eliminate the misconception "we're too small to be targeted"—your size doesn't protect you, it just keeps attacks under the radar.
- Partner with cybersecurity experts who understand small business needs and provide comprehensive protection.
2026 Threat #4: Exploiting New Hires and Tax Season
New employees eager to prove themselves can be easily manipulated with urgent fraudulent requests.
Attackers impersonate executives or HR, demanding immediate action on payroll or tax documents.
Scam examples include fake IRS notices, payroll phishing, and requests for employee W-2 forms, leading to massive data breaches and identity theft.
Your defense:
- Integrate comprehensive cybersecurity training during onboarding, emphasizing scam recognition.
- Establish and communicate strict policies—such as never sending W-2s via email and always verifying payment requests by phone.
- Recognize and reward employees who confirm suspicious requests to foster a vigilant work culture.
Choose Prevention Over Recovery
When it comes to cybersecurity, your options are clear:
Reactive approach: After a breach, face ransom payments, emergency expenses, customer notifications, system rebuilds, and reputation damage. The financial and emotional toll is immense, spanning weeks or months.
Proactive defense: Implement strong security measures, educate your team, monitor threats continuously, and patch vulnerabilities early. This reduces risk and costs dramatically.
Just like a fire extinguisher, cybersecurity investments are made to prevent disasters—not after they happen.
How to Stay Off Cybercriminals' Radar
Work with an expert IT partner who will:
- Provide 24/7 system monitoring to catch threats early
- Enforce strict access controls to prevent unauthorized breaches
- Educate your team on sophisticated scam tactics
- Implement rigorous verification processes to block wire fraud
- Maintain and test backups to minimize ransomware damage
- Apply timely security patches to close vulnerabilities promptly
Preventing attacks is far wiser than fighting fires after they ignite.
Cybercriminals are optimistic about 2026, counting on businesses like yours to be unprepared and underprotected.
Let's prove them wrong.
Remove Your Business from Their Target List Today
Schedule a comprehensive New Year Security Reality Check.
Identify vulnerabilities, prioritize what matters, and learn how to become a harder target in 2026.
No hype. No jargon. Just clear, actionable insights.
Click here or call us at 503-210-5203 to arrange your Systems Assessment.
Because the best New Year's resolution is ensuring cybercriminals don't add your business to their 2026 goals.
