Technology Advisor Blog

As we move into 2026, we can reflect on the past year.  2025 has marked a significant shift with the integration of artificial intelligence into our workflows and daily lives. Whether welcomed or not, AI is now almost permanent part of the digital landscape, making it essential for organizations and individuals alike to stay informed and prepared, as cybercriminals seek to exploit these technologies for malicious intent.

Our goal is not to create fear around cybersecurity, but to ensure you are equipped with the most current information to recognize potential threats and respond proactively. Below are key trends and risks to be aware of as we head into 2026.

Malicious AI-Driven Attacks

While AI helps assist in managing our workflow, handling the tedious tasks that take up too much of our time when we need to focus on larger projects, AI can also be used maliciously by cybercriminals. These attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated as cybercriminals leverage Artificial Intelligence to scale and automate their tactics. From generating highly convincing phishing emails to creating deep-fake audio and video for social engineering, AI enables attackers to move faster, target more precisely, and evade traditional security controls. These tools allow malicious actors to analyze large volumes of data, mimic human behavior, and adapt their attacks in real time, making them harder to detect and stop. As AI continues to evolve, understanding how it can be weaponized is critical for recognizing emerging threats and strengthening defenses against this new generation of cyberattacks.

Types of AI-Driven Attacks:

• AI-generated phishing emails: Cybercriminals use AI to craft highly personalized and grammatically perfect phishing messages that closely mimic legitimate communications, increasing the likelihood of user interaction.
• Deepfake impersonation scams: AI-powered audio and video deepfakes are used to impersonate executives, employees, or trusted partners to manipulate victims into transferring funds or sharing sensitive information.
• Automated vulnerability exploitation: AI tools can rapidly scan networks and applications for weaknesses, allowing attackers to identify and exploit vulnerabilities faster than traditional manual methods.
• Adaptive malware: AI-enabled malware can change its behavior in real time to evade detection by security tools, making it more difficult to identify and contain.
• Credential stuffing at scale: Machine learning models can optimize large-scale credential attacks by predicting password patterns and prioritizing high-value targets.

With sophistication becoming harder to identify, a zero-trust approach is one to initiate; though with learning obstacles that come with adaptability.

Urgency in Zero Trust Techniques

For those unfamiliar, Zero Trust is a modern cybersecurity framework built on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” Under this model, no user, device, or network is trusted by default, regardless of where it originates inside or outside the organization. Every access request must be explicitly authorized, authenticated, and continuously validated using multiple verification methods. As cyber threats grow more advanced and perimeter-based defenses become less effective, it is increasingly critical for small to medium-sized businesses to adopt and mature Zero Trust strategies to protect sensitive data and systems.

Key Zero Trust practices to prioritize:

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Require multiple forms of verification for all users to reduce the risk of compromised credentials.
• Least-privilege access: Ensure users and devices have only the minimum level of access necessary to perform their roles.
• Continuous monitoring and validation: Regularly assess user behavior, device posture, and access patterns to detect anomalies in real time.
• Device trust verification: Confirm that devices meet security standards (such as patch levels and endpoint protection) before granting access.

Widening Skill Gap When It Comes to Cybersecurity and How to Overcome that For You and Your Team

The cybersecurity landscape is evolving faster than many organizations can keep up with, resulting in a growing skills gap across industries. Threats become more sophisticated and technologies such as AI, cloud platforms, and Zero Trust architecture continue to advance, many teams lack the specialized knowledge required to effectively defend their environments.

This gap can leave small to medium-sized businesses particularly vulnerable, as limited resources often make it difficult to hire and retain dedicated cybersecurity professionals. Overcoming this challenge requires a strategic approach that combines education, process improvement, and trusted partnerships.

Practical ways to address the cybersecurity skills gap include:

• Ongoing employee training: Providing regular cybersecurity awareness and role-based training to keep teams informed of emerging threats and best practices.
• Concise security policies and procedures: Establishing documented guidelines that simplify decision-making and reduce reliance on individual expertise.
• Automation and modern tools: Leveraging security platforms that reduce manual workload while improving threat detection and response.
• Cross-functional accountability: Encouraging shared responsibility for security across departments, not just IT teams.
• Access to expert guidance: Supplementing internal knowledge with external cybersecurity specialists when needed.

How Ekaru Helps S-M Sized Businesses

At Ekaru, we specialize in assisting businesses to strengthen their overall security posture.

Ways We Assist Businesses Include:

• Cybersecurity expertise on demand: Providing access to certified professionals who stay current with evolving threats and technologies.
• Security training and awareness programs: Educating employees to recognize and respond to cyber risks effectively.
• Managed security services: Offering continuous monitoring, endpoint protection, and incident response tailored to each business.
• Strategic security planning: Helping organizations develop long-term roadmaps aligned with business growth and compliance requirements.
• Local presence and regulatory awareness: Understanding state-specific risks, regulations, and industries to deliver more relevant and responsive support.

By partnering with a trusted local MSP such as Ekaru, we can close the cybersecurity skills gap, reduce risk, and build a resilient security foundation for the future.

Bottom Line

As we kick off 2026, cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern, it is a business priority. The rise of AI-driven threats, the urgency of Zero Trust adoption, and the widening cybersecurity skills gap, all underscore the need for proactive, informed action.

By staying educated, investing in modern security practices, and partnering with trusted experts, businesses can significantly reduce risk while maintaining their daily operations with confidence.

If you’re ready to strengthen your security posture and protect your organization against evolving threats, let’s connect!