January 26, 2026
Right now, somewhere in the cyber underworld, criminals are crafting their own New Year's resolutions—not for wellness or balance, but for orchestrating more sophisticated attacks in 2026.
Small businesses aren't their favorite targets because of negligence, but because of the relentless pace you keep. Cybercriminals thrive on distraction and busyness.
Here's the cybercriminal playbook for 2026—and how your business can dismantle it.
Resolution #1: "I Will Craft Phishing Emails That Blend Seamlessly Into Your Inbox"
The days of poorly written scam emails filled with spelling mistakes are history.
Thanks to AI, phishing attempts now:
- Sound convincingly natural
- Mirror your company's unique communication style
- Include references to real vendors you work with
- Eliminate obvious warning signs
These attacks don't rely on glaring errors—they capitalize on impeccable timing. January is prime time when teams are busy catching up after the holidays.
A typical modern phishing email might say:
"Hi [your actual name], I attempted to send the updated invoice, but it bounced back. Could you confirm if this is the correct accounting email? Here's the new version—let me know if you have questions. Thanks, [name of your actual vendor]"
No outrageous claims or frantic requests—just a believable, straightforward message seemingly from someone you trust.
How to counter this:
- Train your team to verify requests, especially those involving money or credentials, through separate communication channels.
- Implement advanced email filters that detect impersonation attempts—such as emails seemingly from your accountant but originating from suspicious locations.
- Foster a workplace culture where employees feel encouraged to double-check and validate rather than worry about appearing paranoid.
Resolution #2: "I Will Impersonate Your Trusted Vendors and Leadership"
This tactic cuts deeper because it feels so authentic.
Imagine receiving an email from a vendor stating:
"We've updated our bank details. Please use this new account for all future payments."
Or a message to your bookkeeper from "the CEO":
"Urgent request: wire funds now. I'm in a meeting and can't discuss."
Increasingly, scammers leverage deepfake technology—cloning voices from public sources and calling your finance staff requesting urgent favors with chilling realism.
This isn't science fiction—it's happening now.
How to safeguard yourself:
- Implement a strict callback policy for any changes to bank information—verify via a trusted phone number, not one provided in an email.
- Require voice confirmation through established channels before processing any payments.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on all finance and administrative accounts to block unauthorized access even if passwords are compromised.
Resolution #3: "I Will Target Small Businesses More Aggressively Than Ever"
Cybercriminals once focused on large targets like banks and corporations. As those defenses strengthened, attackers shifted focus.
Instead of attempting risky million-dollar hacks, they opt for multiple smaller, easier wins—making small businesses prime targets.
They know you often operate with limited staff, lack dedicated security experts, juggle multiple responsibilities, and might underestimate your own risk.
Your belief that "we're too small to be targeted" is exactly what attackers count on.
Defensive measures:
- Fortify your business with essential cybersecurity practices: MFA, regular software updates, and tested backups will make you a tougher target than neighboring companies.
- Eliminate the mindset that size equals safety—small businesses are valuable and vulnerable.
- Seek professional cybersecurity partners who specialize in protecting businesses like yours, providing the expertise you need without building an entire security team.
Resolution #4: "I Will Exploit New Employees and Tax Season Chaos"
January's influx of new hires means eager employees who are still learning your processes and may hesitate to question authority.
Attackers exploit this, sending fake urgent requests impersonating CEOs or HR, manipulating payroll staff to send sensitive W-2 data.
Once W-2s with Social Security numbers and salary details are compromised, criminals file fraudulent tax returns, causing headaches for your team.
How to protect your team:
- Integrate intensive cybersecurity training during onboarding—before giving email access, new hires should understand scam tactics and company policies.
- Establish clear rules: no W-2s are sent via email, and all payment requests require phone verification.
- Encourage and reward employees who verify suspicious requests to build a vigilant culture.
Prevention Always Beats Recovery
When it comes to cybersecurity, you have two paths:
Option A: React after an attack with costly ransoms, emergency fixes, customer notifications, system rebuilds, and lasting brand damage. The price? Tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars and months of recovery.
Option B: Proactively secure your business with effective security measures, continuous training, threat monitoring, and vulnerability patching. The investment? A fraction of Option A, embedded seamlessly into your operations.
Think of cybersecurity like a fire extinguisher—you hope never to use it, but you keep it ready.
How to Outwit Cybercriminals in 2026
A trusted IT partner can help keep your business off the easy-target list by:
- Providing 24/7 system monitoring to catch threats early
- Securing access credentials so a single stolen password doesn't compromise everything
- Educating your team on the latest sophisticated scams
- Implementing strict verification policies to prevent wire fraud
- Maintaining and regularly testing backups to reduce ransomware risks
- Applying patches swiftly to close vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them
Focus on fire prevention, not firefighting.
Cybercriminals are optimistic about their 2026 plans, counting on businesses like yours to remain unprepared and overwhelmed.
Let's prove them wrong.
Remove Your Business from Their Target List
Schedule a New Year Security Reality Check with us.
We'll reveal your vulnerabilities, prioritize what matters most, and guide you in eliminating your company as an easy target in 2026.
No fear-mongering. No complicated jargon. Just clear insights and actionable steps.
Click here or give us a call at 833-863-2120 to book your Consult.
Your smartest New Year's resolution is protecting your business from becoming someone else's goal to conquer.
