If you feel like cybersecurity is a never-ending game of catch-up, you’re not alone. The threat landscape is evolving rapidly, and the strategies that worked last year may not be enough for the challenges ahead.
As we approach 2026, it’s time to rethink what “good enough security” really means and how your organization can stay ahead of modern threats.
Attackers Don’t Sleep, and Your Defenses Can’t Either
Here’s a reality check: 51 percent of security alerts now occur outside of business hours. While your team is enjoying a weekend or holiday, attackers are busy searching for weaknesses.
Cybercriminals operate globally, so their workday might be your midnight. With AI-powered automation, threats can emerge at any time, not just during the traditional workday.
The lesson is clear. Security must be persistent and proactive, not just reactive during business hours.
Deepfakes, AI Phishing, and Ransomware: The Modern Threat Landscape
Gone are the days when phishing emails were easy to spot because of poor grammar or suspicious links. Today’s attackers use AI to craft messages that look legitimate, even to trained eyes. Deepfakes and voice clones make social engineering attacks more convincing than ever. Ransomware is not only more common, but also more targeted and devastating.
No organization is too small or uninteresting to be a target. If you have data, you’re on the radar.
What Does “Good Enough Security” Look Like in 2026?
“Good enough” doesn’t mean settling for the bare minimum. It means building a layered, resilient defense that addresses the most likely risks without overwhelming your team or budget.
Here are the essentials:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA should be enabled everywhere, including email, cloud applications, and remote access. If you set it up years ago, now’s the time for an upgrade.
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Every device—laptop, desktop, and server—needs protection. EDR tools allow you to monitor and respond to threats, no matter where your users are working.
- Reliable Backups: Don’t assume your cloud provider has you covered. Test your backups regularly and make sure you can recover your data before you actually need to.
- Effective User Training: Annual training isn’t enough. Use short, engaging, and up-to-date content that prepares people for today’s threats, especially AI-powered phishing.
- Continuous Monitoring: The earlier you spot a threat, the less damage it can do. Modern monitoring tools act as your early warning system.
Annual Security Assessments and Cyber Insurance: Raising the Bar
Think of a security assessment as a checkup for your business. It helps you identify what is working, what is not, and where you need to focus. If you want cyber insurance—and you should—insurers now expect you to have solid controls in place. MFA, EDR, user training, and tested backups are the new baseline.
Annual assessments aren’t just a compliance checkbox. They’re an opportunity to catch issues before they become incidents. They also help you align your security investments with your business goals, so you are not just spending more, but spending smarter.
Practical Steps to Get Ahead
So, where should you start? Here’s a practical action plan:
- Modernize MFA: Review all your systems, especially cloud applications and remote access. Make sure MFA is enabled and up to date.
- Deploy and Monitor EDR: Ensure every device is protected and monitored for suspicious activity at all times.
- Test Your Backups: Don’ wait for a crisis. Schedule regular backup and recovery tests, and document the results.
- Refresh User Training: Move to frequent, bite-sized training that addresses current threats. Make it engaging and relevant.
- Schedule a Security Assessment: Get an objective view of your risks and a prioritized roadmap for improvement.
- Review Cyber Insurance Requirements: Make sure your controls meet the latest underwriting standards. This can save you money and prevent headaches down the road.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right strategy, you can build defenses that are strong, adaptable, and sustainable, even as threats evolve. The most important thing you can do right now is schedule a cybersecurity posture assessment. This is the foundation for continuous improvement and peace of mind.
Let’s make 2026 the year you get ahead of cyber threats. Schedule your cybersecurity posture assessment today!
Read more: Lessons from 2025: Why SMB IT Can’t Rely on Last Year’s Playbook
Randy is a CISSP who leads the Cybersecurity and IT Consulting team at Loffler Companies. He is focused on applying his 25+ years of IT experience to help his clients measure, understand and manage information security risk through the vCISO managed consulting program.
