Top 10 Cybersecurity Threats Businesses Must Watch in 2026

Cyberattacks aren't just a problem for big corporations anymore. In today's digital-first world, businesses of all sizes are at risk. From phishing emails to sophisticated ransomware attacks, the threat landscape is constantly evolving. In fact, ransomware alone cost U.S. businesses over $15 billion in 2024, with even more expected this year.

The reality is clear: if your organization is online, it's a target. Hackers are no longer lone wolves in basements. Instead, they operate in organized networks, often funded and coordinated like legitimate businesses. With the rise of artificial intelligence, cloud adoption, and interconnected devices, the opportunities for attackers are multiplying.

As cybercriminals become more advanced and leverage tools like AI and automation, it's crucial for organizations to stay informed and proactive. Below are the top 10 cybersecurity threats businesses need to be aware of in 2026—and how to defend against them.

1. Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)

Ransomware isn't new, but the way it's delivered has changed. With Ransomware-as-a-Service, anyone can launch an attack without writing a single line of code. These "kits" are sold or rented to would-be attackers on the dark web, making ransomware more accessible and widespread than ever. In many cases, small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are targeted because they lack strong defenses.

The consequences go far beyond encrypted files. Companies may face downtime lasting weeks, reputational damage, and regulatory fines if sensitive data is leaked. Some attackers even practice "double extortion," threatening to publish stolen data unless paid.

Defense Tip: Regularly back up critical data to secure, offline storage. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools for real-time threat detection. Train employees on recognizing suspicious links and attachments. Have an incident response plan in place to minimize downtime.

2. Business Email Compromise (BEC)

BEC attacks involve hackers impersonating executives or trusted vendors to trick employees into sending money or sensitive data. Unlike generic phishing, BEC scams are highly targeted and carefully researched. Attackers often monitor email threads for weeks before striking.

The FBI reported that BEC scams caused over $50 billion in losses globally between 2013 and 2023, making it one of the most expensive forms of cybercrime.

Defense Tip: Implement email authentication protocols (DMARC, SPF, DKIM). Require verbal or multi-channel confirmation for wire transfers and major financial changes. Train employees to recognize social engineering tactics, such as urgency or secrecy in email requests.

3. AI-Powered Phishing Attacks

Phishing emails used to be riddled with typos and poor grammar. Today, with generative AI, attackers can produce polished, personalized messages that mimic trusted brands and executives. They can even generate fake websites or chatbots that trick users into entering credentials.

Some phishing campaigns now use AI to scrape LinkedIn or company websites, creating hyper-personalized attacks that bypass traditional defenses.

Defense Tip: Invest in AI-driven email security filters that learn and adapt to threats. Run regular phishing simulations to train employees. Require multi-factor authentication (MFA) so that stolen credentials alone won't compromise systems.

4. Third-Party/Supply Chain Attacks

Supply chain attacks exploit weaker links in your vendor ecosystem. By compromising a vendor with access to your network, attackers can bypass even the most secure defenses. The SolarWinds attack affected thousands of organizations worldwide, including government agencies.

The growing reliance on third-party software and cloud services makes this risk harder to manage. A single vendor misstep can have cascading consequences across entire industries.

Defense Tip: Assess vendors for cybersecurity compliance. Require them to meet industry standards like ISO 27001 or SOC 2. Segment your network so third-party access is limited. Continuously monitor vendor activities with automated tools.

5. Zero-Day Exploits

A zero-day exploit is a vulnerability that has not yet been patched by the software developer. Hackers weaponize these flaws quickly, often before security teams are even aware they exist. Zero-day attacks can impact operating systems, browsers, or popular applications.

The challenge for businesses is that you can't patch what you don't know exists. That's why zero-day vulnerabilities remain a top concern for IT teams.

Defense Tip: Enable automatic updates where possible. Subscribe to threat intelligence feeds for early alerts. Deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS) and web application firewalls (WAFs) to help spot suspicious activity.

6. Credential Stuffing

Billions of usernames and passwords have been exposed in data breaches over the years. Hackers use these stolen credentials in credential stuffing attacks, testing them across multiple accounts. Since many people reuse passwords, attackers often succeed.

Credential stuffing attacks are especially dangerous for businesses with customer portals, online stores, or remote employee logins.

Defense Tip: Enforce unique, complex passwords for all users. Require MFA on critical accounts. Encourage employees and customers to use password managers. Monitor for unusual login activity, such as logins from foreign countries or multiple failed attempts.

7. Insider Threats

Not all threats come from the outside. Insider threats—whether malicious employees or unintentional mistakes—are a growing concern. For example, a disgruntled worker might steal data, while another employee might fall for a phishing scam and compromise the network.

According to Ponemon Institute, insider incidents cost businesses an average of $15.4 million annually. With remote work, the risk is amplified since employees often access sensitive data from personal devices.

Defense Tip: Apply strict access controls so employees only see the data they need. Monitor user behavior for anomalies. Provide ongoing security training to minimize mistakes. Foster a culture of trust and accountability to reduce malicious insider activity.

8. Deepfake & Voice Spoofing Attacks

AI-generated deepfakes are becoming disturbingly convincing. Cybercriminals can replicate a CEO's voice to authorize fraudulent wire transfers or create fake videos that manipulate stakeholders. In one high-profile case, criminals used voice spoofing to trick a company into transferring $243,000.

As deepfake technology becomes cheaper and more accessible, businesses should prepare for more frequent and damaging attacks.

Defense Tip: Require multiple layers of approval for financial transactions, not just a voice command or email. Train employees to question unusual requests, even if they sound legitimate. Invest in tools that detect manipulated media.

9. IoT and Smart Device Exploits

From smart thermostats to warehouse sensors, IoT devices are now deeply embedded in business operations. Unfortunately, many IoT devices ship with default credentials, weak encryption, or limited patching capabilities, making them attractive targets.

Once compromised, IoT devices can serve as entry points for broader network attacks or be hijacked for botnets, like the Mirai attack that disrupted internet services worldwide.

Defense Tip: Place IoT devices on a separate, segmented network. Regularly update firmware and disable unnecessary features. Replace default usernames and passwords with strong, unique credentials.

10. Cloud Misconfigurations

Cloud adoption is growing rapidly, but many businesses fail to configure their environments securely. Misconfigured databases, overly broad access controls, or unprotected storage buckets can expose sensitive data to the internet. These errors are often discovered by attackers using automated scanning tools.

As companies migrate workloads to the cloud, the risks increase—especially if IT teams lack cloud expertise.

Defense Tip: Conduct regular cloud configuration audits. Use cloud security posture management (CSPM) tools to spot issues automatically. Apply the principle of least privilege when assigning user roles.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity threats are evolving fast—and businesses must evolve with them. From ransomware delivered through criminal marketplaces to AI-powered phishing and cloud missteps, the risks in 2026 are more sophisticated and widespread than ever. The good news? Most threats can be mitigated with the right mix of awareness, tools, and training.

The first step is awareness. By understanding the most common threats, you can take proactive measures to protect your organization. The second step is preparation: implementing robust defenses like MFA, employee training, and network segmentation. Finally, stay vigilant by regularly auditing your systems and monitoring for unusual activity.

Don't wait for a breach to act. Start by reviewing your current security posture, educating your team, and investing in up-to-date cybersecurity solutions. Staying informed is your first line of defense.

Need help securing your business? Contact Wellforce for a free cybersecurity assessment today. Together, we can start preparing and make sure your organization is ready for whatever 2026 brings.