Whilst the M&S, Co-op and Harrods cyber-attacks of 2025 are firmly in the rear-view mirror, UK businesses must secure their IT systems to avoid featuring in similar 2026 headlines.
More than ever, cyber-security is a board-level issue, a regulatory concern and, increasingly, a matter of business survival. Cyber-attacks are more frequent and more sophisticated, driven by advances in artificial intelligence, the growth of remote working, and the expanding digital supply chain.
UK businesses can significantly reduce their exposure by taking practical steps now. The most resilient organisations are those that treat cyber security as an ongoing business discipline rather than a one-off technical fix.
Treat cyber-attack attempts as inevitable
One of the most important mindset shifts for businesses in 2026 is accepting that cyber incidents are not a question of “if” but “when”. Phishing attempts, credential theft, and ransomware attacks are now largely automated and target organisations of all sizes, not just large enterprises. Those who have not been targeted are in the minority – if they even exist.
This means businesses should focus not only on prevention but also on detection, response, and recovery. Having a clear incident response plan, tested regularly, is just as important as investing in security tools. Senior leaders should know who makes decisions during an incident, how customers and regulators will be informed, and how operations will be restored in the worst-case scenario.
Strengthen identity and access management
Compromised credentials remain one of the most common ways attackers gain access to systems. In 2026, basic password protection is no longer sufficient.
UK businesses should ensure that:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is enabled across all critical systems, especially email, cloud platforms, and remote access tools.
- Access is based on the principle of least privilege, meaning staff only have access to the systems they genuinely need.
- User access is reviewed regularly, particularly when employees change roles or leave the organisation.
With more businesses relying on cloud services and third-party platforms, managing who has access, and to what, is now one of the most effective security controls.
Address human risk through training and culture
Despite technological advances, people remain a key vulnerability. AI-generated phishing emails and voice scams are increasingly convincing, making it harder for staff to spot threats.
Regular, practical, cyber awareness training is essential. This should go beyond annual tick-box exercises and focus on real-world scenarios, such as:
- Recognising sophisticated phishing emails that may reference specific company and employee details
- Verifying payment requests and changes to bank details
- Reporting suspicious activity quickly without fear of blame
Creating a culture where staff feel responsible for cyber security and comfortable raising concerns can dramatically reduce the likelihood of successful attacks.
Secure the supply chain
UK businesses are increasingly targeted through their suppliers and partners. Attackers often look for smaller or less secure organisations as a way into larger networks.
In 2026, businesses should:
- Understand which suppliers have access to their systems or data
- Carry out proportionate due diligence on critical suppliers’ cyber security practices
- Include cyber security requirements in contracts where appropriate
Supply chain risk is particularly important for businesses operating in regulated sectors or handling sensitive customer data, where a breach by a third party can still result in reputational damage and regulatory scrutiny.
Keep systems updated, and legacy risk under control
Unpatched systems remain a major cause of cyber incidents. While most organisations understand the importance of updates, legacy systems often pose a challenge, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services.
Businesses should take a realistic approach:
- Maintain an accurate inventory of hardware and software
- Prioritise patching for internet-facing and critical systems
- Develop a plan to replace or isolate systems that can no longer be properly supported
Ignoring legacy risk does not make it go away; instead it often makes organisations a more attractive target.
Use the AI revolution to your advantage
AI is infiltrating almost every part of our daily life, and cyber criminals will be using it for attempts on UK businesses. But it’s a valuable tool for cybersecurity too; businesses should move to AI-powered Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) cybersecurity if they want to protect against new and emerging threats.
Traditional antivirus (AV) solutions rely primarily on identifying threats based on known malware signatures, but cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using advanced tactics such as social engineering and zero-day attacks to bypass traditional AV and firewall solutions.
EDR goes beyond current AV solutions by providing continuous monitoring and analysis of endpoint activities. They collect data on endpoint events, such as file changes, process executions, and network connections, and use AI-powered behavioural analysis to detect suspicious or anomalous behaviour.
When a threat is detected, EDR can automatically isolate the affected endpoint, terminate malicious processes, and alert security teams.
Looking ahead
As 2026 ploughs on, cyber security will continue to evolve alongside technology and working practices. The most successful UK businesses will be those that embed cyber security into everyday operations, leadership decision-making and employee culture.
By acting now, strengthening identity controls, addressing human risk, managing suppliers and planning for incidents, businesses can not only reduce their exposure to cyber threats, but also build trust with customers, partners and regulators in an increasingly digital economy.
About Linten Technologies
Formed in 1999 Linten Technologies is now a leading IT and cybersecurity specialist, with a dedicated team of experts supporting the company’s clients, who range from SMEs to major corporations and operate in multiple industry sectors.
In 2016 Linten opened its first Manchester city centre office, and in the same year was immensely proud to sponsor Village Manchester Football Club, one of the UK’s largest and most well-known inclusive gay, bi, trans, and straight-friendly teams.
The company recently moved to its new home in Manchester, which has just been fully renovated, to accommodate further business growth.
Linten specialises in providing IT solutions tailored to individual needs, with a strong focus on the legal, healthcare, manufacturing and financial services sectors. Linten empowers organisations to optimise their operations, enhance productivity, and achieve sustainable growth in today’s digital landscape.
To find out more about Linten Technologies please visit linten.co.uk
