Cybersecurity
Insights
Skills Lab Team
26 February 2026
Meta description: Discover the top cybersecurity best practices for 2026 to protect your business from evolving cyber threats. Learn how to reduce cyber risk, strengthen security, and ensure business resilience with expert insights from FDM Group.
If 2025 has shown us anything, it’s that a single cyber-attack can bring business operations to a grinding halt, wiping out millions in losses.
The average cost of a cyber breach for a UK business now is around £200,000, and that is before you factor in regulatory fines, reputational damage, and the long trail of lost customers and contracts.
Last year alone, 43% of UK businesses reported experiencing a cybersecurity breach or attack. In September 2025, Jaguar Land Rover suffered a cyber-attack that forced the company to halt production across the UK. At the peak of the crisis, they were losing an estimated £72 million per day, largely due to the disruption in manufacturing. Daily, around 1,000 vehicles were no longer being built.
Additionally, M&S and Co-op were both victims of coordinated cyber attacks that disrupted both online and in-store operations. Checkout systems failed, customer data was compromised, and stores experienced delays and outages that hurt day-to-day sales. Attackers often target sensitive information such as credit card details, which can lead to identity theft and financial loss. The financial fallout is expected to amount to around £440 million across affected organisations. These incidents highlight the reality of evolving threats, as cybercriminals continuously adapt their tactics and exploit new vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals use various methods to steal data, including targeting computer networks that underpin critical infrastructure. The cybercrime ecosystem has changed dramatically in recent years, with advanced hacker groups and state-backed players becoming more prevalent.
It’s a clear reminder that a cyber-attack doesn’t just target servers or data; it can bring an entire industrial operation down.
What’s in this article?
Research shows organisational data breaches are likely to cost around £755 million per year. Everyone in an organisation, from the boardroom to the marketing team, has a part to play in defending against it.
Attackers increasingly use AI to automate, accelerate malware development and craft highly convincing social‑engineering campaigns. Reports show measurable increases in AI‑driven malicious activity, including a 97% rise in risky AI prompts.
That said, with the right practices in place, breaches can be prevented. Discover five ways businesses can stay protected here.
Why do cybersecurity threats happen to businesses?
Attackers are typically motivated by three things: financial gain (through ransomware, fraud, or data theft), opportunism (exploiting publicly known vulnerabilities before businesses can patch them), and, in some cases, targeted attacks against specific industries or organisations. All industries and organisations face ongoing and evolving cybersecurity risks, including vulnerabilities, human errors, and targeted attacks across various sectors. Malicious attacks can take many forms, including those targeting healthcare providers, which have seen a rise in threats to patient records and telehealth services.
The good news is that the majority of successful cyberattacks exploit entirely preventable weaknesses. Weak passwords, unpatched software, undertrained staff, and poor access controls account for the bulk of incidents our analysts respond to. Security analysts are professionals who identify and respond to cyber threats, helping organisations mitigate cybersecurity risks by detecting, analysing, and addressing increasingly sophisticated attacks. Organisations experiencing a high-level shortage of security skills faced an average breach cost of $5.74 million USD.
Learn more about how organisations can strengthen their long-term cyber resilience strategy here.
What are the most common cyber threats businesses face?
Before diving into best practices, it helps to understand the common cybersecurity threats you are defending against.
Ransomware — malicious software that encrypts your data and demands payment for its release. Ransomware is a type of malware that holds a victim’s sensitive data or device hostage, threatening to keep it locked unless the victim pays a ransom to the attacker. Attacks have become more targeted, and ransom demands larger. The emergence of Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) has made sophisticated ransomware attacks more common.
Malware attacks — these involve malicious software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorised access to computer systems. Malware is any software code or computer program that is intentionally written to harm a computer system or its end users. Endpoint devices, mobile devices, and smart devices are common targets for malware attacks. Malicious code is often used in these attacks to exploit vulnerabilities and compromise systems.
Phishing attacks — fraudulent emails designed to trick employees into revealing credentials or clicking on malicious links. Phishing is a type of social engineering that uses fraudulent email, text or voice messages to trick users into downloading malware or sharing sensitive information. AI is making these increasingly convincing and personalised. Phishing attacks have grown more sophisticated, making it easier for cybercriminals to trick users into clicking malicious links or attachments.
A 2025 report found that 43% of breaches came from phishing attempts alone.
Business email compromise (BEC) — attackers impersonate executives or suppliers to authorise fraudulent payments. Often, no malware is involved, making it harder to detect. Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks also pose a risk, involving attackers eavesdropping on conversations to steal credentials or data.
Supply chain attacks — targeting a trusted supplier or software provider to gain access to their clients. One weak link can compromise many businesses downstream. The importance of network security and network segmentation is critical; network segmentation divides networks into smaller parts to prevent threats from spreading.
Insider threats — whether malicious or accidental, employees with access to sensitive systems remain a significant risk. Insider threats originate with authorised users who intentionally or accidentally misuse their legitimate access or have their accounts hijacked by cybercriminals. Cryptojacking is another threat, occurring when hackers gain access to a device and use its computing resources to mine cryptocurrencies.
FDM Senior Information Security Officer, Thomas Berryman, shares, “At FDM, the most common threats we see tend to centre around social engineering and phishing attempts across both our internal teams and our hybrid consultant workforce. We’re also taking a measured, controlled approach to the wider adoption of AI technologies and their integration into our existing technology stacks. While we haven’t encountered any major issues to date, this remains an area of risk as AI regulation and industry standards continue to lag behind the rapid pace of development and consolidation happening across the sector.” The rise of remote work and bring your own device (BYOD) policies have expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals.
Application security measures for modern businesses
In today’s digital landscape, application security is a cornerstone of effective cybersecurity. As businesses increasingly rely on web and mobile applications to deliver services and manage sensitive data, these platforms have become prime targets for cyber-attacks and data breaches. Modern cyber threats often exploit vulnerabilities in application code, leading to malware attacks, unauthorised access, and the exposure of customer information.
To safeguard against these risks, organisations must adopt a proactive approach to application security. This starts with secure coding practices—ensuring that software is developed with security in mind from the outset. Regular security testing, including code reviews and penetration testing, helps identify and remediate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Conducting frequent vulnerability assessments is essential for staying ahead of emerging threats and maintainingrobust security measures.
Deploying advanced security solutions such as web application firewalls (WAFs) and runtime application self-protection (RASP) adds an extra layer of defence. These tools monitor application traffic in real time, blocking malicious activity and preventing attackers from exploiting weaknesses. By integrating these security measures into the software development lifecycle, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of cyber-attacks, protect sensitive data, and maintain customer trust.
AI security considerations for 2026
In 2026, the rapid adoption of AI technologies brings both new opportunities and unique security challenges. Cyber attackers are increasingly leveraging AI to automate attacks, generate convincing phishing campaigns, and develop advanced malware, making robust AI security measures more important than ever.
To protect AI systems and the sensitive data they process, businesses must implement secure AI frameworks that prioritise security throughout the development and deployment lifecycle. Regular security testing and validation are essential to identify vulnerabilities in AI models and algorithms, ensuring that systems remainresilient against evolving cyber-attacks.
Identity security and access controls play a pivotal role in safeguarding AI environments. By restricting access to authorised users and monitoring activity, organisations can prevent unauthorised manipulation or misuse of AI systems.
By embedding AI security into their overall cybersecurity strategy, businesses can reduce the risk of cyber-attacks, protect sensitive information, and ensure the integrity and reliability of their AI-driven operations.
Denial of service attack prevention
Denial of service (DoS) attacks remain a persistent threat to business operations, with attackers seeking to overwhelm computer systems or networks and disrupt access for legitimate users. These attacks can cripple essential services, damage reputations, and result in significant financial losses. Effective DoS attack prevention starts with implementing robust security measures such as firewalls and intrusion prevention systems (IPS), which can detect and block malicious traffic before it reaches critical systems. Traffic filtering and rate-limiting techniques help manage network loads and prevent attackers from flooding your infrastructure with excessive requests.
This proactive approach not only reduces the risk of cyber-attacks but also supports business continuity and protects critical operations from disruption.
Best practices to follow for cybersecurity in 2026
Effective cybersecurity includes layers of protection across an organisation’s IT infrastructure, encompassing network, cloud, endpoints, IoT devices, and applications.
Modern cybersecurity architectures must also address evolving threats such as DNS attacks, which can compromise network integrity. Key components of a layered cybersecurity approach include robust threat detection, comprehensive endpoint security, and the use of managed security services to ensure expert monitoring and up-to-date defences. A layered approach also includes using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), patching software, conducting security training, and maintaining regular offline backups. Here are nine best practices for your cybersecurity team to follow in 2026:
1. Train your employees
Human error still remains the most common cause of cyber incidents globally, with more than 90% of security incidents involving human error. Phishing emails, fraudulent phone calls, and social engineering tactics are specifically designed to bypass technical controls by exploiting human behaviour.
Effective security awareness training goes beyond a one-off annual session. It should include regular phishing simulations, clear reporting channels for suspicious activity, and a culture where staff feel safe raising concerns without fear of blame. Promoting good cyber hygiene—simple, disciplined routines like updating malware protection and managing passwords—helps establish information security best practices. Digital hygiene practices can give networked users another layer of protection against cyber threats.
2. Use strong, unique passwords
Using strong passwords is a fundamental cybersecurity best practice, as they help protect sensitive data; however, strong passwords alone are not sufficient as a standalone security measure and should be combined with additional layers of protection.
Password reuse remains one of the most exploited vulnerabilities in business cybersecurity. When one set of credentials is compromised in a data breach, attackers will automatically use those same credentials across hundreds of other services. If employees use the same password for their work email as they do for personal accounts, that can lead to significant exposure.
Organisations should enforce strong, unique passwords for every account and deploy a business-grade password manager to make this manageable at scale. Password managers remove the burden from individuals while dramatically reducing risk across the organisation.
3. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) everywhere
Multi-factor authentication is one of the highest-impact, lowest-cost controls a business can implement. By requiring a second form of verification in addition to a password, MFA makes stolen credentials far less useful to an attacker.
Despite its effectiveness, many businesses still have gaps in their MFA coverage, particularly on legacy systems, VPNs, and third-party applications. Every system that holds sensitive data or provides access to your network should have MFA enabled as a minimum.
Thomas shares, “Generally, a commonly seen gap arises when companies move to onboard SaaS applications quickly without ensuring all required controls are in place. It’s important to get ahead of this trend as we increase in AI SaaS integrations.”
4. Review cyber resilience with independent validation
Cyber Essentials Plus is a UK government-backed cybersecurity certification scheme and provides independent assurance that an organisation operates to a recognised standard of quality, safety and accountability. It enables organisations to build essential defences across key areas of the business and is becoming a minimum requirement in many supply chain conversations as a clear indicator of a company’s ability for proactive risk management.
“At FDM, we have renewed our Cyber Essentials Plus certification. Achieving Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) is more than a badge. It’s an independently verified demonstration that our organisation has strong, rigorously tested cybersecurity controls in place. Being Cyber Essentials Plus certified means our security controls aren’t just documented, they’re independently tested and operationally effective. It reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and gives our clients and partners confidence that we’re protecting our digital environment to a nationally recognised standard.” Shares Thomas.
5. Keep software and systems up to date
Unpatched software is one of the most common attack vectors in cybersecurity. Vulnerabilities in software code can be exploited if not patched promptly, leaving an open door that attackers can walk straight through.
Effective patch management means having a clear process for identifying, testing, and applying updates across all systems, including operating systems, applications, firmware, and security tools. Keeping antivirus software up to date is critical for detecting and stopping malware and cyber threats. Deploying firewalls, antivirus software, and virtual private networks (VPNs) helps protect devices. Automating this process, where possible, reduces both the risk and the administrative burden.
6. Control who has access to what
Every user, system, and application should have access only to what they need to do their job. In practice, many businesses, over time, have staff holding permissions they no longer need, former employees whose accounts were never disabled, and admin rights distributed far too broadly. Identity and access management (IAM) refers to the tools and strategies that control how users access digital resources and what they can do with those resources. Ensuring identity security is critical for safeguarding digital identities and preventing unauthorised access. Even legitimate access must be closely monitored to prevent misuse by insiders or exploitation by cybercriminals.
Regular access reviews, prompt offboarding procedures, and a clear policy on user permissions are essential. Limiting access reduces the damage a compromised account can cause and limits the damage a malicious insider can cause.
7. Back up your data
Backups are your last line of defence against ransomware, hardware failure, and accidental data loss.
The industry standard is the 3-2-1 rule: keep three copies of your data, on two different types of storage, with one copy stored offsite or in the cloud and isolated from your main network. Critically, test your restoration process regularly, not just that the backup exists, but that you can actually recover from it within an acceptable timeframe.
8. Secure your supply chain
Third-party suppliers, software vendors, and managed service providers all represent potential entry points into your organisation. Supply chain attacks have grown significantly, with attackers targeting smaller, less-protected suppliers as a route into their larger clients.
When vetting suppliers, ask directly about their security practices and certifications. Request evidence of an independent assessment rather than simply taking their word for it. It is also essential to identify and address potential attack vectors within your supply chain by continuously discovering, analysing, and remediating vulnerabilities from an attack surface management perspective. Finally, review your existing suppliers periodically, not just at the point of onboarding.
9. Have an incident response plan before you need one
When a security incident occurs, such as a cybersecurity breach or attack, every minute counts. Businesses that have a tested incident response plan in place recover faster and at lower cost than those that have to figure it out in the heat of the moment. Monitoring is essential for identifying activity indicative of malicious behaviour, enabling organisations to detect and respond to threats quickly. Yet the majority of businesses have no formal plan at all.
A good incident response plan does not need to be complex. It should define who does what in the first 24 hours of a suspected breach, who has authority to make decisions, how you communicate internally and externally, and what your relationship is with an external incident response provider. Run through it at least once a year so the people involved know what to do before the pressure is on.
Thomas shares, “The first minutes of a cyber incident set the tone for the entire response. According to industry guidance, the very first action a business should take is to initiate a coordinated triage call with the core incident‑response team. This should bring together IT/security leads, legal counsel, your insurer, and your incident‑response partner — ideally within the first hour of detection.”
Conclusion
Cybersecurity in 2026 is not a technology problem; it’s a business problem. The businesses that treat it as such, embedding it into culture, operations, and supplier relationships, are the ones that weather incidents without catastrophic damage and win the trust of clients who increasingly demand assurance before they sign anything.
As a Cyber Essentials Plus certified business with a team of experienced cybersecurity analysts, we help businesses across the UK build that foundation. By leveraging technical expertise to implement robust cybersecurity measures and best practices, organisations can more effectively defend against sophisticated threats. Following these best practices is essential for reducing cyber risk and ensuring long-term business resilience.
How FDM can support
At FDM, we believe the most powerful line of defence is people. Our Consultants are equipped with the latest in cyber defence tools and skills, delivering comprehensive cybersecurity services and implementing advanced security programs to detect, quarantine, and remove threats. Our expertise helps protect critical infrastructure and essential services, ensuring the resilience of sectors such as power grids, financial institutions, and other vital systems.
Explore how FDM can help futureproof your cyber workforce.
