The IT field has been undergoing huge changes every year, and the upcoming year will be no different. In fact, 2026 is already shaping up to be one of the most transformative years for IT and cyber security.
With rapid advancements in AI and growing cyber threats, businesses cannot afford to enter the new year with outdated IT infrastructure. In 2025 alone, the global average cost of a data breach stood at $4.4 million. The rise in AI-driven threats and international regulatory changes makes it essential for businesses to upgrade their IT and cyber security setup.
This guide explains the importance of updating the IT infrastructure for both SMEs and large-scale businesses.
Why Is Updating IT and Cyber Security Setup Necessary?
New technologies and advancements in AI demand frequent updates of the IT infrastructure. If you’ve neglected your IT setup for some time, now is the perfect time to upgrade your cyber security strategies for the new year. Here’s why businesses need to update their IT infrastructure before going into 2026.
1. Increasing Cyberthreats
The number of cyberattacks is increasing every passing minute, thanks to advancements in deepfakes, quantum computing, and AI. Compared to last year, there has been a 34% increase in cyberattacks. The numbers are expected to increase even more in the coming years.
This shows why traditional password-based protection is no longer enough. Businesses need machine learning and AI to counter the AI-driven threats. Additionally, quantum encryption and blockchain technologies also prove beneficial against advanced exploitation.
2. Productivity Loss
On average, employees face two IT-related issues per week, wasting nearly 50 hours per year. Even short disruptions due to slow boot-up times and patchy internet connectivity can reduce productivity. IT issues prevent employees from accessing records and tools. This disrupts the workflow and leads to severe financial losses.
According to research, companies lose $400 billion annually due to IT failures. It could be due to hardware/software issues, security breaches, or a lack of maintenance. These issues can be prevented by understanding the root cause and adopting a proactive approach.
3. User Dissatisfaction
Unplanned downtimes and system failures frustrate employees and customers alike. Project delays and interrupted services negatively impact customer trust and experience, reducing the business’s credibility in the market.
Due to the slow response time and outdated software, employees may also be inclined towards shadow IT. This leads to compromised security and increased risk of data breaches. The only way to prevent these issues is to upgrade your IT system. A robust security infrastructure, along with a backup and recovery plan, can minimise the risk and damage.
4. Compliance Requirements
To combat the increasing number of cyberattacks, the government has introduced several data protection laws. These include the UK Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, UK PSTI Act, UK Online Safety Act, and the EU AI Act. Businesses using outdated systems or having inadequate records risk heavy fines.
To keep up with the regulations, it’s essential to track applicable laws, review their requirements, and maintain an updated log. The security controls also need to be updated as per the regulatory requirements. By maintaining compliance requirements, you spend 2.7 times less than the average cost of non-compliance.
5. Compatibility Issues
Outdated operating systems are usually not compatible with newer applications. As a result, the business faces frequent crashes and reduced productivity. It could also be due to conflicting software and corrupted files.
These issues are mostly resolved by updating the operating system. In fact, if your operating system is kept up-to-date, the chances of compatibility issues arising become close to zero. This also highlights the importance of data backup, so you don’t lose any crucial information.
Rising IT and Cyber Security Trends in 2026
The IT and cyber security industry is set for major changes in 2026. To stay competitive, your IT setup must adapt to these changes. Here are three trends that will shape the IT industry in the coming years.
1. Role of AI
Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in both the threat and defence mechanisms. Threat actors now use generative AI and deepfakes for persuasive phishing emails and stealing personal data. It has also increased the number of polymorphic malware that antivirus software can’t easily detect.
To mitigate these risks, businesses need AI-powered defence systems with AI pattern analysis, predictive analytics, threat alert, and automated response mechanisms. AI-driven cloud security solutions, AI-based Next-Generation Firewalls, and Network Detection and Response solutions with AI are predicted to transform the IT field in the coming years.
2. Zero-Trust Architecture
Hybrid work models and cloud adoption have led to a significant rise in insider threats. In 2025, the cost of managing an insider risk was $17.4 million per organisation. Therefore, moving on, businesses need to adopt the zero-trust architecture.
Zero-Trust frameworks address the problem by verifying every access request. It works on the principle of “Never trust, always verify.” This includes implementing a Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) to segment the network and implementing Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) to limit access.
3. Advanced Endpoint Security
According to industry reports, 68% of organisations have experienced at least one successful endpoint attack. The attacks have increased in recent years due to the hybrid work culture and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies.
Endpoint Detection and Response solutions strengthen security by constantly monitoring endpoint devices. This helps detect Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for minimising downtime and financial losses.
Revamp Your IT Setup for the New Year
As we move into 2026, every business needs to reevaluate their IT setup. This involves a thorough review of your system logs, backup integrity and recovery testing, software updates, and optimizing network performance. That’s not all! Conducting security audits for network scanning and updating the firewall configurations are equally crucial.
For SMEs and new businesses without an in-house IT team, this may seem overwhelming. Rejuvenate IT manages your IT solutions so you don’t have to worry about cyberthreats or website maintenance. With more than 15 years of experience, we’ve helped several businesses improve their IT infrastructure. Book your free IT consultation today!
