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As we step into 2026, the technology landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace. For small and medium-sized businesses, staying ahead means not just keeping up with trends, but proactively addressing risks and seizing new opportunities.
Here’s a deeper look at the key IT priorities for the year ahead, with practical steps you can take to protect and empower your organisation.
These are the four IT resolutions we recommend every SME reviews as part of their 2026 planning.
1. Cyber Security: Building a Human Firewall
The Challenge:
According to the Office of National Statistics 2025 Cyber Security Breaches Survey, 43% of businesses reported a security breach in the past year. Phishing remains the most common and disruptive threat, accounting for 85% of incidents.
Why It Matters:
Cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated, but the most common entry point is still human error. A single click on a malicious email can have far-reaching consequences, from data loss to reputational damage.
What You Should Do in 2026:
- Invest in Cyber Awareness Training: Regular, engaging training sessions help staff recognise and avoid phishing attempts. Simulated phishing campaigns are especially effective for reinforcing good habits.
- Secure Every Device: Ensure that every device accessing company data, whether in the office or remote, is properly managed and secured. Use mobile device management (MDM) tools and enforce policies that restrict access to only enrolled, compliant devices.
- Pursue Cyber Essentials Accreditation: This UK government-backed scheme provides a clear framework for improving your cyber defences. Achieving accreditation demonstrates your commitment to security, reassures customers, and gives you access to cyber liability insurance and a 24-hour crisis helpline for incident response.
2. Windows 10 End of Life: Don’t Get Left Behind
The Challenge:
Windows 10 reached end of life in October 2025, yet as of January 2026, nearly 30% of UK computers are still running it.
Why It Matters:
Unsupported operating systems no longer receive security updates, making them prime targets for cyber criminals. Running outdated software exposes your business to unnecessary risk.
What You Should Do in 2026:
- Upgrade Immediately: If any business machines are still on Windows 10, prioritise upgrading to Windows 11 or another supported OS. This is not just a technical upgrade, it’s a critical security measure.
- Plan for Future End-of-Life Dates: SQL Server 2016 will reach end of life in July 2026. Microsoft server 2016 will reach end of life in January 2027. Start planning your migration now to avoid last-minute scrambles and potential vulnerabilities.
3. Artificial Intelligence: Harnessing Opportunity, Managing Risk
For most SMEs, the biggest risk isn’t AI itself - it’s staff using powerful tools without clear guidance or safeguards in place.
The Challenge:
AI dominated tech headlines in 2025, with major investments from all the big players and an estimated 218 million users on Microsoft Copilot alone.
Why It Matters:
AI offers transformative potential for businesses of all sizes, from automating routine tasks to unlocking new insights. However, it also raises important questions about data privacy, ethics, and transparency.
What You Should Do in 2026:
- Explore AI’s Potential: Identify areas where AI can drive efficiency, improve customer service, or support decision-making in your business.
- Stay Informed and Cautious: Understand the limitations of AI tools and be mindful of what data you share. Always check how your data is being processed and stored, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
- Educate Your Team: Provide training on responsible AI use, so staff are aware of both the benefits and the risks.
4. Global IT Outages & Business Continuity: Preparing for the Unexpected
The Challenge:
2025 saw several major global IT outages. In October, Amazon Web Services experienced a 15-hour disruption affecting both social media and business-critical cloud apps. Microsoft Azure and Cloudflare also suffered outages, impacting email, collaboration, and countless online services.
Why It Matters:
These incidents highlight the risks of relying on single cloud providers and the importance of robust business continuity planning.
What You Should Do in 2026:
- Map Your Dependencies: Work with your IT team to identify which services and platforms your business relies on most.
- Develop a Continuity Plan: Create strategies for mitigating the impact of outages, such as having backup communication channels, local data copies, or alternative workflows.
- Test and Review Regularly: Business continuity is not a one-off exercise. Regularly review and test your plans to ensure they remain effective as your business and technology landscape evolve.
Final Thoughts
2026 presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses navigating the digital landscape. By focusing on cyber security, keeping systems up to date, embracing AI thoughtfully, and preparing for the unexpected, you can build a more resilient and future-ready organisation.
If you’d like tailored advice or support implementing any of these recommendations, our team is here to help. Let’s make 2026 your most secure and successful year yet!
If you’re not sure where your business currently stands, this checklist can help highlight immediate priorities.
2026 IT Resolutions Checklist
Cyber Security
- Schedule regular cyber awareness training for all staff
- Run simulated phishing campaigns to test and reinforce staff vigilance
- Ensure every device accessing company data is enrolled in a management system and meets security standards
- Review and update access policies to restrict company resources to managed devices only
- Begin or renew Cyber Essentials accreditation for your business
- Confirm cyber liability insurance is in place and staff know how to access the 24-hour crisis helpline
Operating System & Software
- Audit all business computers for Windows 10 and upgrade any remaining devices to Windows 11 or another supported OS
- Identify any on-premise SQL Server 2016 and Server 2016 installations and start planning for migration
- Identify any other software that will reach end of life in 2026 and start planning for migration
Artificial Intelligence
- Explore AI tools and platforms that could benefit your business operations
- Review what data is being shared with AI tools and ensure compliance with privacy regulations
- Provide staff with training on responsible and effective use of AI
Business Continuity & Cloud Reliance
- Map out all critical cloud services and platforms your business depends on
- Work with your IT team to develop or update your business continuity plan
- Establish backup communication channels and alternative workflows in case of major outages
- Schedule regular reviews and tests of your continuity plan to ensure it remains effective
If you’d like help reviewing any of these areas or want a clearer picture of where your IT stands heading into 2026, our team is always happy to advise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windows 10 still safe to use in 2026?
No. Windows 10 reached end of life in October 2025, meaning it no longer receives security updates. Devices still running Windows 10 in 2026 are at increased risk of cyber attacks.
Do small businesses really need Cyber Essentials?
Yes. Cyber Essentials provides a clear baseline for protecting against common cyber threats and is increasingly expected by customers, insurers, and public sector organisations.
How often should cyber awareness training be done?
We recommend at least annual training for all staff, supported by regular phishing simulations throughout the year to reinforce good habits.
Is AI a security risk for businesses?
AI tools can introduce risk if used without guidance. The biggest concern for SMEs is staff sharing sensitive data with AI platforms without understanding how that data is processed or stored.
How often should business continuity plans be reviewed?
At a minimum, business continuity plans should be reviewed annually and tested whenever systems, suppliers, or working practices change.
Need Help Turning These Resolutions into Action?
At Telanova, we help businesses across Wokingham, Ascot, Bracknell, Reading, and the wider Berkshire region strengthen their IT security, resilience, and long-term planning.
If you’d like help reviewing your systems, preparing for upcoming end-of-life dates, or improving your cyber resilience in 2026, we’re happy to advise.
Explore our IT support services or call 01344 989 530 to speak with our team.
