January 26, 2026
Right now, somewhere out there, a cybercriminal is setting their own New Year's resolutions.
But their goals aren't about wellness or balance.
They're analyzing what cyberattacks succeeded in 2025 and strategizing how to steal even more in 2026.
And small businesses? They're the prime targets.
Not due to negligence.
But because being overwhelmed creates openings.
Cybercriminals thrive when you're stretched thin.
Here's the hacker's 2026 playbook — and how your business can stop them in their tracks.
Resolution #1: "I Will Craft Phishing Emails That Blend Seamlessly"
The days of obvious scam emails filled with mistakes are gone.
Today, AI generates emails that:
- Sound natural and conversational
- Mirror your company's tone and language
- Mention real vendors you actually work with
- Eliminate common giveaway mistakes
Timing is their weapon, not typos.
January is prime time — distractions abound as everyone rushes through post-holiday catch-up.
Imagine this phishing email:
"Hi [your actual name], I tried sending the updated invoice but it bounced back. Can you confirm this email is correct for accounting? Here's the latest version — let me know if you have questions. Thanks, [your real vendor's name]"
No gimmicks, no urgent wire transfer demands—just a convincing, familiar message.
Your defense:
- Educate your team to always verify money or credential requests through a separate trusted channel.
- Implement automated email filters that detect impersonation attempts, such as emails claiming to be from your accountant but originating from suspicious servers.
- Create a culture that values double-checking — praise employees who say, "I verified before responding."
Resolution #2: "I Will Imitate Your Vendors and Executives"
This tactic cuts deep because it feels authentic.
An email might say:
"Hey, we've updated our bank info. Please use this new account for payments going forward."
Or a text from "the CEO" to your bookkeeper:
"Urgent: Wire money immediately. I'm tied up in meetings and can't talk."
Even voice scams are evolving.
Deepfake technology clones voices from public videos, podcasts, or voicemails. A call from your "CEO" requesting a favor sounds exactly like them.
This isn't science fiction — it's today's reality.
Your defense:
- Adopt a firm callback policy for all bank detail changes using verified contact numbers.
- Require voice confirmation through established channels before processing payments.
- Enable multi-factor authentication on all finance and administrative accounts to prevent unauthorized access even if passwords are compromised.
Resolution #3: "I Will Intensify Focus on Small Businesses"
Cybercriminals once targeted big corporations — banks, hospitals, Fortune 500s.
But robust security and strict insurance policies have made those targets tougher.
So attackers shifted strategy.
Rather than risk one complex $5 million breach, they choose numerous smaller $50,000 hits that almost always succeed.
Small businesses now face the brunt of attacks — you hold valuable assets and sensitive data but often lack dedicated security teams.
Hackers know you're:
- Understaffed
- Without a dedicated security team
- Handling numerous responsibilities
- Believing "we're too small to be a target"
This last assumption is their most exploited weakness.
Your defense:
- Implement essential security steps — multi-factor authentication, timely updates, and tested backups — to outshine neighboring businesses and deter attackers.
- Drop the myth that size offers protection; remember, you're just below the radar.
- Engage professional cybersecurity support to safeguard your business without the need for a full internal team.
Resolution #4: "I Will Exploit Hiring Season and Tax Time Confusion"
January brings new employees still unfamiliar with company protocols.
Their eagerness to help and respect for authority makes them vulnerable.
This creates perfect phishing opportunities:
"Hey, I'm the CEO. Can you handle this quickly? I'm traveling and unavailable."
While experienced staff might hesitate, new hires often comply without question.
Tax season intensifies these threats with W-2 scams, payroll phishing, and fake IRS notices.
Attackers impersonate executives requesting urgent W-2 forms, compromising employee data and enabling fraudulent tax filings.
Your defense:
- Incorporate scam awareness training during onboarding before giving new hires email access.
- Establish clear policies: no W-2s sent by email, and all payment requests confirmed by phone.
- Encourage and reward employees who verify suspicious requests.
Prevention Always Wins Over Recovery.
Your cybersecurity choices come down to two paths:
Option A: Respond after a breach — pay ransoms, hire crisis teams, notify clients, rebuild systems, and repair reputation. The costs run high, with long recovery timelines.
Option B: Stop attacks before they start — implement strong security, train your team, monitor threats, and fix vulnerabilities continuously. Costs are lower, and peace of mind lasts.
Just like you don't buy a fire extinguisher after a fire, invest in cybersecurity now to avoid disaster.
Defend Your Business in 2026
Partner with an IT security expert who will:
- Monitor your systems around the clock to stop threats early
- Secure access controls so one compromised password doesn't jeopardize everything
- Train your team to recognize sophisticated scams, not just the obvious ones
- Enforce verification protocols that prevent wire fraud beyond convincing emails
- Maintain and test backups to minimize ransomware impact
- Apply patches promptly to close vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them
Focus on fire prevention, not firefighting.
Cybercriminals are gearing up for 2026, counting on businesses like yours to be unprepared.
It's time to surprise them.
Remove Your Business From Their Target List
Schedule a New Year Security Reality Check today.
We'll assess your risks, prioritize your defenses, and help you stop being an easy target in 2026.
No gimmicks, no technical jargon — just clear guidance on where you stand and how to protect your business.
Click here or give us a call at 817-277-1001 to book your 15-Minute Discovery Call.
Because the best New Year's resolution is protecting your business from becoming someone else's goal.
