January 26, 2026
Right now, cybercriminals are crafting their New Year's resolutions -- but theirs don't involve self-care or balance. Instead, they're strategizing ways to exploit small businesses like yours more effectively in 2026.
Why target small businesses? Not because of carelessness, but because busy teams often become their easiest prey.
Let's expose their top tactics for 2026 and equip you to stop them in their tracks.
Resolution #1: "Craft Phishing Emails That Seamlessly Blend In"
The days of obviously fake scam emails are gone.
Thanks to AI, attackers now send messages that:
- Sound natural and convincing
- Mimic your company's voice and terminology
- Include real vendors you collaborate with
- Eliminate typical warning signs like typos
It's not about glaring mistakes anymore; it's all about timing — and January, a period filled with distractions and a heavy workload, is prime time.
Example of a sophisticated phishing email:
"Hi [your actual name], I tried to send the updated invoice, but the file bounced back. Can you confirm this is still the right email for accounting? Here's the new version — let me know if you have questions. Thanks, [name of your actual vendor]"
No dramatic emergencies, just a believable request.
Your defense strategy:
- Train employees to always verify requests related to payments or sensitive info via independent channels.
- Deploy advanced email filters that detect spoofed senders, especially from unfamiliar regions.
- Encourage a workplace culture where verifying suspicious messages is applauded.
Resolution #2: "Impersonate Vendors and Executives with Conviction"
These attacks feel eerily genuine.
Imagine receiving a vendor's email: "We've updated our bank info; please use the new details for upcoming payments."
Or a text from "your CEO": "Important. Wire funds now; I'm unavailable to discuss."
Deepfake voice technology further enhances this threat. Criminals clone voices from public audio, making scam calls sound unmistakably authentic.
This is not fiction—it's happening today.
Your defense strategy:
- Institute strict callback protocols for financial changes, confirming via known contacts.
- Require voice confirmation for any payment authorization.
- Enforce multi-factor authentication on all finance and administrative accounts.
Resolution #3: "Focus Attacks on Small Businesses Like Yours More Than Ever"
Large corporations have fortified defenses making attacks costly and difficult.
Cybercriminals now prefer multiple smaller attacks, often targeting small businesses that typically lack dedicated cybersecurity.
You possess valuable assets and data, making you a prime target.
Attackers count on small businesses to be understaffed, spread thin, and dubious about being targeted.
Your defense strategy:
- Implement fundamental security steps such as MFA, timely updates, and reliable backups to deter most attackers.
- Dismiss the myth "we're too small to be targeted." You're simply under the radar.
- Partner with cybersecurity experts who can provide tailored defense without the overhead of a full team.
Resolution #4: "Exploit New Employee Onboarding and Tax Season Confusion"
January sees many new hires unfamiliar with your security protocols.
Eager to prove themselves, they may act quickly without questioning urgent requests.
Attackers exploit this trust—posing as CEOs or HR and demanding sensitive data such as W-2s.
Once obtained, this info is used to file fraudulent tax returns, leading to rejections and serious employee distress.
Your defense strategy:
- Integrate comprehensive security awareness in onboarding before granting access.
- Enforce strict policies: No W-2s shared via email and all payment requests verified by phone.
- Recognize and encourage employees who verify unusual requests.
Prevention Surpasses Recovery Every Time.
You face two choices:
Option A: React to breaches and pay costly consequences — financial, reputational, and operational.
Option B: Proactively secure your business with continuous protection, training, and threat monitoring — all at a fraction of recovery costs.
Like a fire extinguisher, cybersecurity is about stopping disasters before they start.
How to Stay Off Cybercriminals' Radar
Work with an expert IT partner to:
- Monitor your networks around the clock to detect threats early
- Enforce strict access controls ensuring one compromised password isn't a total breach
- Educate your team on sophisticated scams, not just obvious ones
- Implement verification practices that prevent wire fraud
- Maintain tested backups turning ransomware into a minor inconvenience
- Apply patches promptly, closing security gaps before criminals exploit them
Focus on prevention, not firefighting.
Cybercriminals are optimistic about their 2026 plans, counting on businesses like yours to remain vulnerable. Together, let's prove them wrong.
Remove Your Business From Their Target List Today
Schedule a New Year Security Reality Check.
We'll uncover your vulnerabilities, prioritize your risks, and guide you on how to become a hard target in 2026.
No scare tactics, no confusing jargon — just clear, actionable insights.
Click here or give us a call at 978-664-1680 to book your 15-Minute Discovery Call.
Your smartest New Year's resolution? Ensuring your business isn't part of a criminal's to-do list.
