A Simplified Guide for 2026
With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and with more workplaces offering remote work, or hybrid work, the risks have increased and, now that 2026 is here, if you offer your staff remote or hybrid working options, or even if you have a business online, you need to be aware of the risks, as well as what is needed to prevent data breaches or hacks.
Managed Detection Response
Managed detection response, or MDR, is going to be a core part of any online security system. If you have never heard of it, MDR (as the name suggests) monitors systems, detects threats, and responds to them in real time. In some cases, an MDR program may also utilise AI technology to block unauthorised access to your online systems. The type of MDR that you may need for your business will vary, based on threat level and your individual business, so if you need some guidance, check out Red Canary for advice on the optimum detection level.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Most people are familiar with multi-factor authentication, or MFA, and when you are seeking to protect your sensitive online data, like customer information, it may be time to look into MFA. Much like MDR, you will likely benefit from having a basic option installed, but the type that would be best suited to your business will be based on the sensitivity of the data (financial services will require heightened MFA) and previous data hacks that may have occurred.
Password Managers
In recent times, you may have noticed on your smartphone that there is an automated option to create a difficult-to-crack password. This can be annoying when trying to get on to social media, but when it comes to protecting your business data, this is a must-have option.
Password managers can create, change, and store encrypted passwords securely, preventing hackers from getting access through randomised guesswork. Pairing this with an MDR, you can have an automated lockout to your systems 24 hours a day if there is an unauthorised access attempt, meaning that all of your sensitive information will be safe.
Update Software
A common access point for cyberhackers is via software that has not been updated. So, if your computer, or a system that you are using, wants you to download an upgrade, please do it! In many cases, it can be worth allowing automatic updates to occur, meaning you won’t have to give the green light.
AI Cybersecurity Systems
Even though one of the biggest threats in 2026 to all online systems is going to be AI-powered, the best defences are also going to use the same underlying model. AI-integrated systems, such as MDR, MFA, and even password managers, can offer superior protection when compared to manual methods. Simply put, AI defences are better at spotting and responding to AI risks online.
Also, they can more accurately assess the level of risk, put in immediate defences, and work in real time to protect data, even if it is the middle of the night.
So, if you want to keep your online data safe, you need to be a few steps ahead and keep all your systems automated and threat-resistant.
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