Top Tech Risks SMBs Can’t Ignore in 2026

A shocking 73% of small businesses experienced a cyberattack last year, according to Hiscox’s Cyber Readiness Report (2025). For many, even a single breach can take down operations for days—and drain cash flow for months. This is why tech, data, and cybersecurity risks have become top priorities for business owners and IT leaders.

If your team feels stretched thin or you're searching for a trusted MSP near me, the right managed IT services partner can help reduce risk before it turns into downtime.

Legacy Tech Is Your Hidden Weak Spot

Outdated systems slow down productivity and create exploitable security gaps. Unfortunately, many small businesses keep using legacy hardware and software because upgrades feel costly or disruptive.

However, the risks add up quickly:

• Operating systems that are no longer supported stop receiving security patches

• Older hardware fails more frequently, causing unexpected downtime

• Applications that can’t integrate with modern cloud solutions lead to inefficiency
  
  

According to Gartner, through 2027, 75% of IT outages will stem from legacy systems that haven't been modernized. Modernization isn’t just about speed—it’s about keeping your business resilient.

A managed IT services provider like Nerdwork Services, LLC helps businesses assess outdated systems and create a right-sized upgrade roadmap that reduces risk without overspending.

Data Is Growing Faster Than Your Ability to Protect It

Your business generates more data today than ever before—client files, financial records, emails, cloud backups, and more. But unmanaged data creates major risks. If your team isn’t carefully monitoring what data exists and where it lives, it becomes nearly impossible to secure.

Common weak points include:

• Unsecured cloud storage

• Lack of data access controls

• No formal backup and recovery plan

• Shadow IT—apps employees use without approval
  
  

IDC predicts that global data volume will double between 2024 and 2026, meaning small businesses need stronger data governance and cloud solutions in place.

A trusted MSP provides structured data management, secure cloud services, and automated backups so your information stays protected and recoverable.

Cyberthreats Are Evolving Faster Than Internal Teams Can Keep Up

Small and mid-sized companies are prime targets because attackers know internal IT teams are often overwhelmed. Ransomware, phishing, credential theft, and business email compromise continue to spike—and attackers are now using AI to move faster and disguise their methods.

According to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report (2024), the average time for businesses to identify and contain a breach is 277 days. That’s nearly 10 months of risk exposure.

With modern cybersecurity tools—like 24/7 monitoring, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and employee awareness training—an MSP can help detect threats earlier and shut them down before damage occurs.

Reduce Risk Before It Disrupts Your Business

Technology, data, and cyber risks are rising—and ignoring them no longer works. With the right managed IT services, IT support, and proactive cybersecurity strategy, small businesses can stay protected and productive.

If you're ready to strengthen your defenses and modernize your small business technology, Nerdwork Services, LLC can help. Visit https://nerdworks.services to get started.

Sources

• Hiscox, Cyber Readiness Report 2025
  
  

• Gartner Research, IT Modernization Forecasts
  
  

• IDC, Global DataSphere Forecast
  
  

IBM, Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024

To help you stay compliant, we have created the IT Compliance Checklist for CPAs. This is the comprehensive checklist you need to identify issues, fix them, and build compliance BEFORE your next audit.

If you have any questions or need further explanation, this checklist comes with a 30 minute consult to personalize this checklist to your firm.

STAYING COMPLIANT -IT Compliance Checklist for CPAs

Nerdworks Services, LLC specializes in helping accounting firms and other compliance-driven companies navigate remote work's complexities while maintaining compliance and supervision standards through collaborative consulting, infrastructure design, IT management, training, and ongoing support.

Nerdworks Services, LLC | 1901 Central Drive, Suite 401, Bedford, Texas 76021 | 682-324-9360 | website:https://nerdworks.services/ email:[email protected]