This year's theme, "Your Best Defence Is You," highlights an important reality: while cybersecurity technology continues to evolve, people remain an essential part of a strong security strategy.
Let's debunk six common cybersecurity myths that businesses should leave behind in 2026.
Being a small business doesn't mean facing small security risks.
It's easy to assume cybercriminals are primarily interested in large corporations with deep pockets.
The reality: SMBs are also attractive targets. They hold valuable customer information, financial data and access to business systems, often without the same cybersecurity resources as larger organizations.
And not every cyberattack is specifically targeted. Many attackers use automated tools to identify vulnerabilities across thousands of businesses, regardless of their size or industry.
What this means for your business: Don't assume your size makes you invisible. Essential protections such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), endpoint security, reliable backups and employee awareness training should be priorities for businesses of all sizes.
Antivirus software has long been associated with cybersecurity, but today's threats require much more than traditional protection.
The reality: Cyberattacks have evolved well beyond viruses. Phishing, ransomware, stolen credentials and compromised business accounts can bypass basic antivirus protection.
Effective cybersecurity requires multiple layers of defense that work together to prevent, detect and respond to threats.
What this means for your business: Think beyond antivirus. A stronger security strategy combines advanced endpoint detection and response, managed detection and response (MDR), email security, MFA, regular software updates and continuous security monitoring.
The goal isn't just to prevent attacks. It's also to detect suspicious activity quickly and respond before a threat causes significant damage.
For years, regularly changing passwords was considered a cybersecurity best practice. But recommendations have evolved.
The reality: Frequently changing strong passwords doesn't necessarily make accounts more secure.
In fact, forcing employees to update their passwords constantly can encourage predictable patterns, such as changing Summer2026! to Fall2026!.
Current security recommendations place greater emphasis on long, unique passwords, password managers and MFA rather than arbitrary password expiration dates.
What this means for your business: Encourage employees to use unique passwords for every account, implement a password manager and enable MFA wherever possible. Passwords should also be changed immediately when there's evidence they may have been compromised.
We naturally feel more comfortable interacting with familiar websites, suppliers and business contacts. But familiarity doesn't always mean security.
The reality: Even legitimate websites, email accounts and online services can be compromised.
For example, in October 2024, hackers replaced a banner on LEGO's official homepage with a fraudulent cryptocurrency promotion directing visitors to buy fake LEGO-branded digital coins.
Even a trusted, globally recognized brand wasn't immune.
Cybercriminals can also use malicious advertisements, stolen credentials and impersonation tactics to make fraudulent messages and websites appear completely legitimate.
And with artificial intelligence making phishing emails and scams increasingly convincing, spotting a threat based on poor spelling or suspicious formatting is no longer enough.
What this means for your business: Encourage employees to question unexpected requests, verify sensitive information through trusted communication channels and report suspicious activity, even when it appears to come from a familiar source.
Remember: Just because a website or message looks legitimate doesn't mean it's safe.
Apple devices have a reputation for being secure, leading some people to believe they're immune to cyberattacks.
The reality: No operating system is completely immune to cybersecurity threats.
While Macs include built-in security features, they can still be affected by malware, phishing, credential theft and other attacks.
More importantly, many cyber threats don't depend on the type of computer you're using. An employee who enters their password into a fraudulent login page can put company information at risk whether they're using a Mac or a Windows PC.
What this means for your business: Apply consistent security policies across all devices that access company systems. Keep software updated, implement appropriate endpoint protection and ensure employees understand that their choice of device doesn't eliminate cybersecurity risks.
Technology and IT professionals play a critical role in protecting businesses, but they can't do it alone.
The reality: Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and employees' everyday decisions can have a significant impact on an organization's security.
Consider this scenario:
An employee in accounting receives what appears to be a routine email from a trusted supplier asking to update its banking information. The sender's name is familiar, and the message looks legitimate.
But what if the supplier's account has been compromised, or the email is a convincing impersonation?
If the employee processes the change without independently verifying the request, the next payment could go directly to a cybercriminal.
Even strong technical protections can't eliminate every risk associated with human decisions and business processes.
What this means for your business: Build a culture of cybersecurity awareness. Provide regular employee training, establish clear verification procedures for sensitive requests and make it easy for employees to report anything suspicious.
For example, changes to supplier banking information should always be verified by calling a known, trusted phone number, not one provided in the suspicious email.
It's a simple step that can help prevent a costly mistake.
These six myths remind us that cybersecurity isn't just about technology. It's also about people and the decisions they make every day.
Taking a moment to question an unexpected email, verify a suspicious request or report unusual activity can make a big difference.
But employees can't do it alone. Strong cybersecurity combines informed employees, clear processes and the right technology.
At Present, we help businesses strengthen their defenses through proactive protection, continuous monitoring and expert guidance.
Are your employees, processes and technology working together to protect your business?
Contact Present to find out how we can help.