January 26, 2026
Right now, somewhere in the digital underworld, a cybercriminal is crafting their New Year's resolutions.
They aren't focused on wellness or balance.
Instead, they're analyzing their 2025 tactics and strategizing how to amplify their cyber thefts in 2026.
And guess who they're targeting most aggressively? Small businesses.
Not from negligence,
But because you're too busy to notice.
And like predators, criminals thrive on distractions.
Here's their plan for 2026 — and the smart strategies to stop them.
Resolution #1: "Craft Phishing Emails That Blend In Seamlessly"
The days of poorly composed scam emails filled with glaring errors are gone.
Advanced AI now crafts emails that:
- Sound authentic and conversational
- Match your company's tone and terminology
- Cite genuine vendors you collaborate with
- Eliminate typical warning signs
These emails don't rely on typos to trick you; they exploit perfect timing.
January is their sweet spot — when everyone's rushing, recovering, and less vigilant.
Imagine receiving an email like this:
"Hi [your actual name], I couldn't deliver the updated invoice; the file bounced back. Could you confirm your current accounting email? Here's the revised version — please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks, [your real vendor's name]"
No royal prince, no urgent transfers — just a familiar voice requesting routine confirmation.
How to Defend:
- Educate your team to verify requests related to money or credentials via a separate trusted channel.
- Employ automated email filters that detect impersonations — for instance, emails claiming to be from accounting but originating suspiciously overseas.
- Cultivate an environment where asking for verification is encouraged and recognized as prudent, not paranoia.
Resolution #2: "Masquerade as Your Vendors or Executive Leaders"
This tactic is especially dangerous due to its realism.
An email may say:
"We've changed our bank details; please update payments accordingly."
Or a text from "the CEO" instructs your bookkeeper:
"Urgent! Wire funds now. I'm tied up in a meeting."
And voice deepfake scams are becoming the new norm — cloning executive voices from public content to convincingly request unauthorized favors.
This isn't futuristic fiction; it's happening today.
Your Shield:
- Implement strict callback protocols on any banking information changes using verified contact numbers.
- Require voice confirmation for payment orders through established communication channels.
- Apply multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all finance and administrative user accounts to block unauthorized access.
Resolution #3: "Intensify Attacks on Small Businesses"
Previously, attackers targeted large institutions like banks and hospitals.
But as enterprise defenses strengthened and compliance became stricter, these big players became tougher to breach.
So, cybercriminals shifted focus.
Instead of one massive $5 million hit fraught with risk, they opt for numerous $50,000 attacks on smaller, less protected businesses.
Small businesses hold valuable assets and data but often lack dedicated security teams.
Criminals count on these facts:
- Limited staff to monitor threats
- No specialized security personnel
- Overwhelmed management juggling multiple responsibilities
- Misplaced confidence that "We're too small to be targeted"
That false sense of security is their greatest vulnerability.
How You Fight Back:
- Implement fundamental security measures — MFA, timely updates, and reliable backups — to harden your defenses beyond your competitors.
- Eliminate the myth of being "too small"; you're a target whether or not you make headlines.
- Partner with cybersecurity experts who can act as your vigilant backstop without needing a full in-house team.
Resolution #4: "Exploit New Employees and Tax Season Confusion"
January means onboarding new team members who are unfamiliar with your protocols.
These fresh hires are eager and less likely to question authority, making them prime targets.
Attackers pose as executives saying:
"Can you handle this urgently? I'm traveling and unavailable."
While seasoned staff might hesitate, new hires may rush to comply.
Tax scams also soar—fake W-2 requests, payroll phishing, counterfeit IRS messages.
Scammers impersonate HR or CEOs asking for sensitive payroll documents that enable fraudulent tax filings before legitimate employees file.
How to Protect Your Workforce:
- Embed thorough security awareness training in new hire orientation, reinforcing what scams look like.
- Define clear policies such as "No W-2s via email" and mandatory phone verification for payments.
- Celebrate employees who verify requests, encouraging cautious behavior.
Preventing Attacks Outweighs Recovery Every Time.
Cybersecurity offers two paths:
Reacting to Breaches: Paying ransoms, scrambling emergency teams, informing clients, and rebuilding — costing tens or hundreds of thousands and lasting months.
Proactive Defense: Investing in solid security foundations, empowering staff through training, and monitoring threats continuously — all for a fraction of the cost.
Like buying a fire extinguisher before a fire breaks out — it's about preparation, not reaction.
How to Keep Your Business Off Their Radar
A reliable IT partner will:
- Provide 24/7 monitoring to detect threats before damage occurs
- Enforce strict access controls so stolen credentials don't compromise your entire system
- Deliver advanced scam awareness training covering subtle and sophisticated threats
- Implement verification protocols to prevent wire fraud beyond simple emails
- Maintain and test backups to reduce ransomware risks to mere inconveniences
- Apply timely patches to close vulnerabilities before criminals can exploit them
Focus on fire prevention instead of firefighting.
Cybercriminals have already set their 2026 ambitions, banking on businesses being understaffed and unsecured.
Let's outsmart them.
Remove Your Business From Their Target List Today
Schedule a New Year Security Reality Check.
Discover your vulnerabilities, focus on high-impact threats, and learn how to shed your status as easy prey in 2026.
No gimmicks, no tech jargon — just straightforward insights and actionable steps.
Click here or give us a call at 919-741-5468 to book your 15-Minute Discovery Call.
Your best New Year's resolution? Ensuring you're not a cybercriminal's next goal.
