January 26, 2026
At this very moment, a cybercriminal is crafting their New Year's resolutions too.
But unlike you, they're not reflecting on "work-life balance" or "self-care."
Instead, they're analyzing the successes of 2025 and plotting ways to increase their theft in 2026.
And small businesses? They remain their prime targets.
Not because of negligence.
But because busy enterprises make perfect prey.
Cyber attackers exploit the chaos.
Here's a glimpse into their 2026 tactics—and how you can outsmart them.
Resolution #1: "Craft Phishing Emails That Perfectly Mimic Reality"
The days of obviously fake scam emails are gone.
Today, AI generates phishing messages that:
- Sound genuinely conversational
- Use your company's own tone and language
- Reference legitimate vendors you collaborate with
- Exclude typical warning signs
Typos aren't needed anymore—the key weapon is precise timing.
January offers the perfect cover: everyone's caught up in post-holiday catch-up.
Example of a modern phishing email:
"Hi [your actual name], I tried sending the revised invoice, but the file bounced back. Could you confirm if this is still the correct email for accounting? Attached is the updated version—let me know if you have any questions. Thanks, [name of your actual vendor]"
No royal princes or urgent wire transfers—just a believable message from a familiar source.
Your defense strategy:
- Educate your team to confirm requests involving funds or credentials through separate, trusted channels.
- Deploy advanced email filters that detect impersonation—flag emails claiming to be from your accountant but originating abroad.
- Promote a workplace culture where verifying communications is encouraged and celebrated.
Resolution #2: "Imitate Your Vendors or Executives with Convincing Precision"
This approach is especially dangerous because it feels authentic.
Example: A vendor emails,
"We've updated our bank information. Please use the new account for upcoming payments."
Or a text from "your CEO" instructs your bookkeeper,
"Urgent: Initiate a wire transfer now. I'm in a meeting and can't talk."
Plus, deepfake voice scams are on the rise—criminals mimic voices from online sources to give requests an eerie authenticity.
This isn't science fiction—it happens daily.
Your defense strategy:
- Implement callback policies for bank details changes, verifying through known phone numbers only.
- Require voice confirmation via established channels before any payments.
- Use multi-factor authentication on all financial and admin accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
Resolution #3: "Target Small Businesses More Aggressively Than Ever"
Traditionally, cybercriminals aimed for huge organizations—banks, hospitals, Fortune 500 companies.
But as large businesses strengthened security and insurance tightened requirements, attackers shifted their focus.
Why risk one big $5M hack when you can execute 100 easier $50K attacks?
Small businesses, with valuable assets but fewer defenses, have become prime prey.
Criminals bank on your limited staff, lack of dedicated security, and hectic schedule.
Believing "we're too small to be targeted" is their biggest advantage.
Your defense strategy:
- Strengthen basic security: enforce MFA, keep systems updated, and maintain tested backups to discourage attackers.
- Erase "too small to be targeted" from your mindset. You might not make headlines when attacked, but you are a target.
- Partner with cybersecurity experts to support you without the need for an in-house team.
Resolution #4: "Exploit New Employee Onboarding and Tax Season Chaos"
January introduces new hires who are often unfamiliar with your security protocols.
Eager to impress and help, they might not question suspicious requests.
This creates a golden opportunity for cyber attackers.
Example: "I'm the CEO. Please handle this urgently—I'm traveling and can't respond."
While seasoned employees may hesitate, new hires tend to comply without verifying.
Additionally, tax scams escalate: fake W-2 requests, payroll phishing, counterfeit IRS notices.
Attackers impersonate executives asking payroll to send W-2s immediately.
Once in possession, they exploit employee data for fraudulent tax returns, triggering rejected legitimate filings.
Your defense strategy:
- Include security awareness in onboarding before granting email access—teach employees to spot scams and understand no urgent gift card purchases will be requested.
- Establish and enforce clear policies such as "W-2s are never emailed" and "payment requests require phone verification."
- Encourage and reward employees who verify unusual requests to foster a vigilant culture.
Prevention Always Outperforms Recovery.
With cybersecurity, you face two paths:
Option A: Respond after an attack—pay ransom, scramble for emergency support, notify clients, rebuild, and repair reputation. Costs run into tens or hundreds of thousands and may take months.
Option B: Take proactive measures to secure your business—train your staff, regularly monitor for threats, and fix vulnerabilities before they're exploited. This costs far less and runs quietly in the background.
Just like you don't buy a fire extinguisher after a fire, invest now so you never need one.
How to Remove Yourself from Cybercriminals' Radar
A trusted IT partner can shield your business by:
- Providing 24/7 system monitoring to detect threats early
- Implementing strict access controls to limit damage from compromised credentials
- Educating your team on sophisticated scams—not just the obvious ones
- Enforcing verification protocols that prevent wire fraud beyond just email
- Maintaining and regularly testing backups to mitigate ransomware impact
- Applying timely patches to seal security gaps before hackers find them
Focus on preventing fires rather than extinguishing them.
Cybercriminals are optimistic about 2026, counting on businesses like yours to be unprepared.
Let's prove them wrong.
Shield Your Business from Cyber Attacks Today
Schedule your New Year Security Reality Check.
Discover your vulnerabilities, prioritize your risks, and learn how to stop being an easy target in 2026.
No gimmicks. No jargon. Just clear insight and actionable advice.
Click here or give us a call at 507-718-4288 to book your 15-Minute Call.
Your smartest New Year's resolution: ensuring your business isn't on a cybercriminal's list.
