2026 Cybersecurity Risks for Small Businesses Explained

Cybersecurity in 2026: What Lancashire and Manchester Businesses Should Watch

28 Nov, 25

In recent months, high-profile companies like Land Rover and Co-op have made headlines due to cyber attacks. Cyber security has become crucial for all businesses, small and large. But while these incidents dominate the news, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are under threat too, often quietly and without media attention. In fact, over half of UK small businesses reported experiencing a cyber attack in the past year, according to the latest UK Government Cyber Security Breaches Survey. For SMEs in Lancashire and Greater Manchester, understanding these threats is critical. As 2026 approaches, cyber security measures are becoming more essential than ever. Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, using new tools and tactics that make businesses of all sizes vulnerable. Here’s what SMEs should know and how they can stay protected.

1. AI driven phishing and impersonation

Cyber attackers are increasingly using AI to create convincing emails, messages and even voice or video calls that impersonate trusted contacts. This isn’t just a threat to large corporations, SMEs with smaller security teams and fewer protections can be even easier targets in the realm of cyber security.

Action: Train employees to recognise suspicious communications, use multifactor authentication and report unusual requests immediately.

2. Ransomware and double-extortion attacks

Ransomware remains a top concern. Cybercriminals now commonly use “double extortion,” encrypting your data and threatening to publish it if ransom demands aren’t met. Even a small disruption can cost thousands of pounds, the average cyber attack on a UK SME can exceed £25,000.

Action: Maintain secure, offline backups and develop a clear response plan for ransomware attacks.

3. Mobile and remote work risks

With hybrid and remote working becoming the norm, mobile devices and unsecured networks are increasingly targeted. Public Wi-Fi, personal devices and poor password habits can expose businesses to data breaches in the field of cyber security.

Action: Implement secure mobile policies, enforce VPN use and educate staff on mobile security best practices.

4. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

Attackers often target SMEs indirectly by exploiting weaknesses in suppliers or partners. A breach in a third-party system can compromise your business even if your own systems are secure, demonstrating the importance of robust cyber security protocols.

Action: Conduct risk assessments for all critical suppliers and ensure partners meet minimum cybersecurity standards.

5. The Growing Role of AI in Cybersecurity

AI isn’t just used by attackers, it’s also powering advanced threat detection. However, SMEs that don’t adopt AI-informed defence measures risk falling behind sophisticated cybercriminals.

Action: Consider adopting cloud security tools and monitoring systems that use AI to detect anomalies or unusual activity and bolster your cyber security posture.

The bottom line for Lancashire and Manchester SMEs

Cybersecurity is no longer optional, it’s a critical component of business continuity. While big names like Land Rover and Co-op make the headlines, SMEs are just as likely to be targeted, often silently.

By investing in staff training, robust backups, AI-informed security, supplier risk management, and appropriate insurance, SMEs in Lancashire and Manchester can protect themselves against 2026’s evolving threats.

Remember: in the world of cybercrime, prevention is far cheaper and less disruptive than recovery.

About J700 Group
Based in Lancashire, J700 Group provides tailored IT support, cybersecurity solutions, and data protection services for SMEs across the region. We help businesses strengthen their digital resilience, safeguard sensitive data, and stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.