January 26, 2026
Right now, somewhere out there, a cybercriminal is setting their own New Year's resolutions.
Unlike you, they aren't focused on "wellness" or "work-life balance."
Instead, they're analyzing what cyber tricks succeeded in 2025 and plotting how to execute even bigger cyber heists in 2026.
And guess who tops their list? Small businesses.
Not because you're careless.
Because you're busy.
And cybercriminals prey on the busy and distracted.
Here's a glimpse into their 2026 cyberattack playbook — and how you can thwart their plans.
Cybercriminal Resolution #1: "Perfect Phishing Emails That Fool Everyone"
Gone are the days of easily spotted scam emails.
Thanks to AI, scam emails now:
- Sound completely genuine
- Mirror your company's tone and terminology
- Mention actual vendors you trust
- Omit clear red flags like spelling errors or suspicious links
The new weapon is not mistakes, but impeccable timing.
January is prime time: everyone's rushed, overwhelmed, recovering from holidays.
Imagine this phishing email:
"Hi [your actual name], I attempted to send the updated invoice, but it bounced back. Can you confirm this is still the right email for accounting? Here's the new version — feel free to ask me any questions. Thanks, [name of your actual vendor]"
No outrageous promises or urgent warnings. Just a friendly, familiar request designed to slip past your guard.
Your defense strategy:
- Train your team to verify every request involving money or credentials through a separate communication channel.
- Utilize advanced email filters that detect impersonation attempts — for instance, flagging emails claiming to be from your accountant but originating from suspicious locations.
- Create a company culture that encourages double-checking requests without fear — "I verified before responding" should be applauded, not discouraged.
Cybercriminal Resolution #2: "Master Vendor and Executive Impersonations"
This tactic is terrifyingly convincing.
Imagine receiving an email:
"We've updated our bank information. Please use this new account for all upcoming payments."
Or a text from "the CEO":
"Urgent: Wire this immediately. I'm in a meeting and can't speak."
Worse, deepfake voice scams are increasingly common. Attackers clone voices from public videos or voicemails, calling your finance team with chilling authenticity.
This isn't science fiction. It's happening now.
Your defense strategy:
- Implement a mandatory callback policy for any bank detail changes using verified phone numbers.
- Never authorize payments without voice confirmation through trusted channels.
- Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication on all finance and administrative accounts to block unauthorized access.
Cybercriminal Resolution #3: "Target Small Businesses More Aggressively"
Big corporations have strengthened cybersecurity, making them tougher targets.
So cybercriminals are shifting focus to small businesses — where defenses are often weaker and attacks less noticeable.
Why aim for a single $5 million heist when $50,000 stolen from a hundred small businesses is easier and nearly guaranteed?
Small businesses have valuable data and money but often lack a dedicated security team.
Attackers count on small teams being overwhelmed and believing, "We're too small to be targeted."
Your defense strategy:
- Don't be an easy target. Employ essential defenses: Multi-Factor Authentication, consistent system updates, and regular backup testing make your business a hard nut to crack.
- Eliminate the mindset that "we're too small to be noticed." Small means vulnerable but also means many attacks go unreported.
- Partner with cybersecurity experts who can watch your back without breaking the bank.
Cybercriminal Resolution #4: "Exploit New Hires and Tax Season Confusion"
January brings fresh faces unfamiliar with company protocols and eager to impress — ripe targets for attackers.
Scammers pose as executives saying:
"I'm traveling and need this done immediately, can you help?"
Tax season scams spike with fake W-2 requests, payroll phishing, and bogus IRS notices.
Once criminals get hold of W-2 forms, they flood the system filing fake tax returns with your employees' identities before legitimate filings.
Your defense strategy:
- Integrate comprehensive security training during onboarding — new hires should recognize phishing tactics before accessing email.
- Clearly document policies, e.g., "W-2s are never sent by email," and require phone verification for financial requests.
- Encourage and reward employees for verifying suspicious requests — vigilance protects everyone.
Prevention Always Trumps Recovery.
When it comes to cybersecurity, you have two paths:
Path A: React to an attack — paying ransoms, hiring emergency consultants, informing customers, restoring systems, and rebuilding trust. The financial and time costs are huge, and the scars linger.
Path B: Proactively protect your business — enforcing strong security, training your employees, monitoring threats constantly, and patching vulnerabilities ahead of time. The costs are far lower and peace of mind immeasurable.
You don't buy a fire extinguisher after a blaze; you invest to avoid the disaster.
How to Break Their 2026 Plans
An expert IT partner will fortify your defenses by:
- Monitoring your network relentlessly to catch threats before they strike
- Securing access with strong credential policies so one compromised password isn't disastrous
- Educating your team on sophisticated scams, not just the obvious tricks
- Enforcing verification protocols to stop wire fraud beyond convincing emails
- Maintaining and regularly testing backups to weather any ransomware attacks with minimal disruption
- Applying patches swiftly to close security gaps proactively
Focus on prevention, not firefighting.
Cybercriminals are optimistic about 2026, counting on businesses like yours to be unprepared.
Let's prove them wrong.
Remove Your Business from Their Hit List
Schedule a New Year Cybersecurity Reality Check with us.
We'll pinpoint your vulnerabilities, clarify what defenses matter most, and guide you on how to stop being an easy target in 2026.
No fearmongering. No confusing jargon. Just clear, actionable insight.
Click here or give us a call at 720-449-3379 to schedule your 15-Minute Discovery Call.
Because the smartest resolution this year? Ensuring your business isn't on a hacker's to-do list.
