January 26, 2026
Right now, while most are setting positive New Year's resolutions, cybercriminals are shaping theirs with a far darker agenda.
They aren't focusing on wellness or balance. Instead, they're analyzing what worked in 2025 to sharpen their strategies for stealing more in 2026.
Small businesses, like yours, remain their prime targets—not due to negligence, but because busy operations create vulnerabilities.
Why? Simply because criminals exploit the distraction of a bustling business environment.
Let's uncover their 2026 tactics and how you can effectively thwart them.
Cybercriminal Resolution #1: "Craft Phishing Emails That Evade Detection"
The days of poorly crafted scam emails are gone.
Today's AI-generated phishing messages are sophisticated:
- They sound authentic and conversational.
- Mirror your company's unique tone.
- Reference legitimate vendors you actually engage with.
- Eliminate obvious warning signs that once gave them away.
These emails don't rely on errors anymore—they rely on perfect timing.
January is especially risky as everyone's catching up post-holidays.
Imagine receiving this email:
"Hi [your actual name], I tried to send the updated invoice, but it bounced back. Can you confirm this is the right email for accounting? Here's the new copy—let me know if you have questions. Thanks, [your actual vendor's name]."
No flashy scams, just a genuine, seemingly routine request.
How to fight back:
- Train your team to verify any email requests involving money or credentials through a separate trusted channel.
- Deploy advanced email filters that detect impersonation attempts, flagging suspicious origins.
- Encourage a company culture where verifying suspicious communications is rewarded, not discouraged.
Cybercriminal Resolution #2: "Masquerade as Trusted Vendors or Executives"
These attacks feel alarmingly genuine.
Imagine this email arrives:
"We've changed our bank details. Please update your records for future payments."
Or a text from "the CEO":
"Urgent wire transfer needed. I'm in a meeting and can't speak now."
Even more frightening: deepfake voice scams that clone real voices from public media. Your finance team could receive a call sounding exactly like the CEO, requesting quick payments.
This is not fiction; it's happening now.
Defensive measures include:
- Implementing strict callback policies on account changes, verified through known contacts.
- Requiring voice confirmation for any payment instructions via trusted channels.
- Enforcing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all finance and administrative accounts to block unauthorized access.
Cybercriminal Resolution #3: "Target Small Businesses More Aggressively"
While large enterprises have fortified their defenses, small businesses often remain vulnerable and attractive.
Cybercriminals now prefer launching multiple smaller attacks over one high-risk big hit.
Your business holds valuable data and funds, making it a lucrative target.
Attackers exploit common challenges you face:
- Understaffed teams
- No dedicated security personnel
- Competing priorities and limited time
- The misconception "We're too small to be targeted"
This mindset is their greatest asset.
Your response:
- Implement essential security practices like MFA, routine updates, and tested backups to harden your defenses.
- Abandon the myth that small businesses are safe. Think of yourself as unseen, not untouched.
- Partner with cybersecurity professionals who act as your vigilant shield, even without a full security team.
Cybercriminal Resolution #4: "Exploit New Employee Onboarding and Tax Season Confusion"
New hires are eager but inexperienced, making them prime targets for scammers posing as leadership.
They may receive a seemingly urgent request: "I'm the CEO. Please process this immediately; I can't be reached."
Tax season's complexity invites more schemes—fake W-2 requests, payroll phishing, false IRS notices.
If successful, cybercriminals steal sensitive employee data, leading to fraudulent tax returns and identity theft.
Protect your team by:
- Providing security education during onboarding before email system access.
- Enforcing strict policies like "W-2s are never emailed" and mandatory phone verification for payment requests.
- Recognizing and applauding employees who double-check suspicious communications.
Prevention is far superior to recovery.
You can either:
Option A: Respond to breaches with costly ransoms, emergency repairs, and an extended recovery period that damages both your finances and reputation.
Option B: Proactively secure your business through ongoing protection, staff training, vigilant monitoring, and vulnerability management—all at a fraction of the cost and stress.
Think of cybersecurity like a fire extinguisher: the best way not to need it is to have it ready before disaster strikes.
Take control in 2026 by partnering with an expert IT team that:
- Monitors your systems around the clock to detect threats early.
- Secures user access so a single compromised password doesn't threaten your entire business.
- Educates your team about the latest sophisticated scams.
- Implements strict verification policies to prevent wire fraud.
- Ensures backups are current and tested, making ransomware only a minor inconvenience.
- Applies timely security patches to block emerging vulnerabilities.
Prioritize prevention - keep your business off cybercriminals' hit lists.
They're already planning—let's make sure you're not part of their strategy.
Shield Your Business From Cyber Threats in 2026
Schedule your New Year Security Reality Check.
We'll pinpoint your vulnerabilities, prioritize urgent risks, and equip you to avoid becoming an easy target.
No fear tactics. No jargon. Just clear insights and practical steps.
Click here or give us a call at 907-865-3100 to book your Discovery Call.
Make your best resolution: preventing your business from becoming someone else's target.
