Some sources estimate that there were over 7,400 incidents in 2025, indicating a more than 30% jump from the year prior. From ransomware targeting hospitals and school districts to phishing schemes that impersonated CEOs and drained company accounts, last year proved one thing: no organization is too small, too obscure, or too well-defended to be targeted.
We have seen this firsthand with our own clients. Over the past year, several have faced attacks ranging from straightforward brute force attempts to more targeted phishing texts and emails sent directly to employees. What stood out was how little size or industry seemed to matter; organizations of all kinds were targeted, regardless of how valuable their digital assets appeared to be. If they were connected to the internet, someone was trying to get in.
So whether you’re managing a lean startup or a sprawling enterprise, cybersecurity needs to be part of your operational strategy, not just your IT checklist. Here’s how to protect your business in 2026.
Start with Strong Passwords and Smarter Management
We’ve all heard it before: a secure password is long, complex, and unique. But even the strongest password is useless if it’s reused across platforms or exposed in a breach. Get more active in managing passwords:
- Require passwords with 12+ characters, including symbols, numbers, and mixed case.
- Use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password to enforce uniqueness and reduce friction.
- Skip forced password resets, as they often lead to weaker passwords. Instead, monitor for breaches and rotate only when necessary.
Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Passwords alone aren’t enough. MFA adds a critical layer of protection and an early warning system that’s especially critical for sensitive accounts and systems. But not all MFA systems are created equally. Here are our top recommendations:
- Use app-based or token-based MFA (not SMS, which is vulnerable to SIM-swapping).
- Choose authenticator apps that support multiple devices and backup codes.
- Document recovery protocols in case a device is lost or replaced.
Keep Software and Systems Updated
Most breaches start with a known vulnerability. Someone finds a way into a system and then … game over. That’s why updates matter, even when they’re inconvenient. Because software and systems are so complex these days, there are many ways in which they can be vulnerable. Don’t set it and forget it—do this instead:
- Enable automatic updates for operating systems and software.
- Regularly update your website CMS (especially WordPress plugins, themes, and core files).
- Audit third-party tools and integrations for security patches.
- Continually review integrations and software for out-of-date or unnecessary technologies. That extension you added three years ago might not be necessary any longer, and worse, it could be a significant security risk.
Train Your Team Regularly
Your biggest vulnerability isn’t your tech stack, it’s your people. User error doesn’t just apply to people not being able to get tech to work right. It’s also a huge issue when it comes to data security. Phishing, spoofing, and social engineering attacks rely on human error. Train your people again, and again, and again to ensure they know:
- How to spot suspicious emails, texts, and requests
- What your company’s protocols are for sharing sensitive info
- How to verify links and files before clicking or downloading
- How your leadership team will communicate with your team in an emergency, and how to verify that an “urgent” message is real before responding
- That no one should ever be asked to buy gift cards for a client or senior member of staff
And if (when) spoofing happens, follow these steps:
- Report it to your email provider.
- File with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and the FTC.
Back Up Everything, and Then Back It Up Again
Ransomware doesn’t just lock your files up; it can lock up your entire business. The only way to avoid paying a ransom is to have clean, accessible, recent backups. Follow these best practices to ensure you’re not susceptible to ransoms:
- Back up data weekly (or more often).
- Use both cloud and physical backups.
- Store backups in locations attackers can’t reach.
- Test your restore process regularly.
Make Cybersecurity Part of Your Business Strategy
Cybersecurity needs to be a leadership priority. Why? It affects your reputation, your finances, and your ability to operate. Integrate practices that ensure your data, and your employees’ data, is kept secure:
- Include cybersecurity in onboarding and training.
- Assign ownership for updates, backups, and MFA enforcement.
- Review your protocols quarterly.
- Use FTC resources to guide small business security planning.
Final Thoughts
Cybersecurity management is about readiness. When you build systems that anticipate threats, train your team to respond, and back up your data proactively, you turn potential risk into surefire resilience.
Want help hardening your digital infrastructure? Let’s talk.
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