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Cyber Essentials Certification for Law FirmsPosted 22nd January 2026
Running a small business in 2026 means juggling a lot more than products, services and customers. Technology plays a role in almost everything you do, which also means cyber security is no longer just an IT issue. It is a business wide responsibility.
Cyber threats are becoming more advanced, more targeted and harder to spot. And whilst large organisations often grab the headlines, small businesses remain one of the most attractive targets for cyber criminals.
So what does the cyber threat landscape really look like in 2026, and what should business owners and staff be paying attention to?
Let’s break it down.
Artificial intelligence is now part of everyday life, from writing emails to automating admin. Unfortunately, cyber criminals are using it too.
In 2026, phishing emails, scam messages and fake requests are far more convincing than they used to be. Messages are written clearly, use correct grammar and often reference real people, suppliers or recent activity. Some scams even use AI generated voices or videos to impersonate senior staff.
For small businesses, this makes attacks harder to spot, especially during busy periods when people are moving quickly and trying to be helpful.
Common warning signs staff should look out for include:
A good habit to build is simple verification. If a request feels unusual, stop and check it using a different method such as a phone call or face to face conversation.
Technology is only part of the story. One of the biggest risks in 2026 is still social engineering. This is where attackers manipulate people rather than breaking through technical defences.
Staff may receive messages pretending to be managers, suppliers or IT support asking for sensitive information. These messages often look genuine and are timed to catch people off guard.
LP Top Tip:
If something feels even slightly off, trust your instinct. It is always better to pause and double check than to rush and regret it later. Cyber criminals rely on speed and silence. Asking questions is one of the most powerful security tools you have.
Regular cyber awareness training helps staff feel confident questioning unusual requests and knowing when to escalate concerns.
Passwords by themselves are no longer a reliable way to protect business systems. In 2026, many attacks focus on stealing login details and using them to access cloud services and email accounts.
Once attackers gain access to a legitimate account, they can move around quietly without triggering alarms.
Simple steps that make a big difference:
These small changes significantly reduce the chances of a successful attack.
Cyber security is not just about your own systems. It also includes the tools, platforms and suppliers you rely on.
Attackers increasingly target third parties with weaker security and use them as a route into other businesses. Even a trusted supplier can become an entry point if their security is not up to scratch.
Knowing who has access to your systems and reviewing that access regularly helps reduce unnecessary risk.
Ransomware continues to be a serious risk in 2026, particularly for businesses without reliable backups. Some attacks now combine data encryption with threats to publish sensitive information.
At the same time, cyber enabled fraud such as fake invoices and payment diversion scams is on the rise.
Strong backups, clear payment checks and staff awareness all play a role in reducing the impact of these attacks.
Remote and hybrid working are now normal for many businesses, but they do introduce additional risks.
Unsecured home networks, shared devices and misconfigured cloud systems can all expose businesses to attack if not properly managed.
Clear policies, secure remote access and managed devices help staff work flexibly without putting the business at risk.
Cyber security does not have to be complicated or overwhelming. The most effective approach focuses on a few key areas.
Getting these basics right goes a long way!
Cyber threats are evolving quickly, but small businesses do not have to face them alone.
At LP Networks, we help businesses protect their systems, data and people through proactive IT support, cyber security services and staff awareness training.
Our goal is simple. To keep your business running securely so you can focus on what you do best.
If you want to understand where your biggest risks are in 2026, speak to our team today.
