Top IT & Cybersecurity Challenges Businesses Will Face in 2026 — And How MSPs Can Help

Written By Keith Gregory

Technology continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, and so do the threats that come with it. As we move into 2026, businesses of all sizes are feeling the pressure to stay secure, stay efficient, and stay competitive. The challenge? The landscape is more complex than ever — and cybercriminals are getting smarter.

Here are the top technology and cybersecurity issues companies will face in 2026, and what MSPs like Secure Tech Group can do to help.

1. AI-Powered Cyberattacks

Cybercriminals are no longer just hacking — they’re automating.
In 2026, AI-driven attacks will be capable of:

  • Generating convincing phishing emails at scale

  • Bypassing basic security filters

  • Testing vulnerabilities faster than humans can respond

  • Launching automated brute-force and credential-stuffing attacks

How STG helps:
AI may be getting smarter, but so is our defense. Secure Tech Group uses AI threat detection, advanced email security, and 24/7 monitoring to catch anomalies before they become breaches.

2. Rising Ransomware 3.0

Ransomware is evolving beyond encryption and into multi-extortion, including:

  • Data theft

  • Public release threats

  • Attacks on cloud backups

  • Targeted hits on industries with high uptime needs

Businesses without a layered backup strategy will be the most vulnerable.

How STG helps:
We build redundant, off-site, cloud, and immutable backups designed to survive even modern ransomware variants.

3. The Skills Shortage Will Only Get Worse

By 2026, IT teams will continue to shrink as demand rises.
Businesses will feel:

  • Slower response times

  • Burned-out internal IT staff

  • Gaps in cybersecurity expertise

  • Increased downtime

How STG helps:
We act as a fully-staffed extension of your IT team, delivering expertise, monitoring, support, and strategy without the cost of hiring in-house.

4. Shadow IT Is Exploding

Employees are using more unsanctioned apps and tools than ever.
While helpful for productivity, Shadow IT leads to:

  • Compliance issues

  • Unmonitored data sharing

  • Unprotected cloud workflows

  • Increased attack surfaces

How STG helps:
We help businesses implement zero-trust access, app monitoring, and cloud governance to keep data secured — no matter where it goes.

5. Cloud Overload & Poor Configuration

By 2026, 90%+ of companies will run hybrid or fully cloud environments.
But many are still struggling with:

  • Misconfigured cloud storage

  • Weak identity access controls

  • Unsecured SaaS tools

  • Siloed environments

How STG helps:
We simplify cloud management with secure cloud migrations, identity protection, and ongoing cloud monitoring.

6. Deepfake Social Engineering

Deepfake phishing will be a major threat in 2026 — including:

  • Fake CEO voice messages

  • AI-generated videos

  • Synthetic identities

  • Real-time impersonation of employees

How STG helps:
We deploy advanced identity verification, security awareness training, email authentication, and zero-trust policies to stop impersonation scams.

7. Compliance Requirements Are Tightening

From GDPR to PCI to SOC 2 to state-specific privacy laws, compliance rules are expanding.
In 2026, expect:

  • More industries regulated

  • Tougher reporting rules

  • Larger fines for breaches

How STG helps:
We guide businesses through policy creation, audits, reporting, and compliance-ready security frameworks.

8. Business Continuity Is No Longer Optional

Companies now face:

  • Supply chain disruptions

  • Service outages

  • Cyberattacks

  • Natural disasters

Without a tested business continuity plan, downtime becomes extremely expensive.

How STG helps:
Secure Tech Group builds custom business continuity and disaster recovery plans that keep operations running — no matter what happens.

Prepare Your Business for 2026 — With Secure Tech Group

The challenges ahead are real, but so are the solutions.
Secure Tech Group helps businesses stay:
✔ Secure
✔ Resilient
✔ Compliant
✔ Efficient
✔ Ready for whatever 2026 brings

Let’s protect your business before the next wave hits.
Visit SecureTechGrp.com or reach out to get started.

Sources & Further Reading

  • ISACA — “AI-Driven Cyber Threats Are the Biggest Concern for Cybersecurity Professionals Going Into 2026” (2025) ISACA+1

  • Trend Micro — “The AI-fication of Cyberthreats: 2026 Security Predictions” (2025) www.trendmicro.com+1

  • World Economic Forum (Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025) — on the global cyber skills gap and rising organizational risk. World Economic Forum+1

  • Hornetsecurity — 2025 / 2026 Cybersecurity Report showing rising malware, phishing, and AI-driven threat stats. Hornetsecurity+1

  • RSI Security — “AI-Driven Deepfakes, Exchange Flaws, and Ransomware Risks” (2025) — on impersonation attacks & deepfakes targeting businesses. RSI Security

  • Shield Corporate Security — 2025 “AI Cyber Threats 2025–2026” report — discusses how AI is automating phishing, ransomware and social-engineering attacks. Shield Corporate Security

Keith Gregory
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Backups – “Your Lifeline in a Cyber Attack”