Cybersecurity can feel like a money pit, but the threats are only becoming more sophisticated and dangerous. Giving up means giving in and making yourself a sitting duck, just waiting for an attack.
The good news is that, on average, both the average cost of a leak and the time it takes to detect a data breach are going down as tools become more effective at dealing with the new generation of threats.
So, what are these solutions that are improving our ability to defend our businesses in 2026? Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
Managed Detection and Response
One of the solutions leading the charge is known as MDR. Managed detection and response software acts as a 24/7 watchdog for your operations, allowing you to monitor all activity and pull out suspicious behavior in a snap. Not only can MDR detect suspicious behavior, but it can even triage its alerts, allowing your staff to focus on the biggest threats first.
Of course, if you really want to ramp up your security (and operate a large-scale business), consider combining your MDR solution with security information and event management and/or endpoint detection and response.
Identity and Access Management
Identity and Access Management is the solution you should already have. It essentially helps you onboard, limit data to what your employees need to do their jobs, and then helps revoke access during offboarding.
In addition to using IAM, ensure that every user has multi-factor authentication enabled and that all passwords are unique and complex.
Zero-Trust Protocols
Zero-trust protocols essentially mean requiring MFA or 2FA for all new logins, or even for every access request. It assumes that no device is safe, and that all actions must be verified.
For your staff, this is no problem. For a hacker, it could silo them and lock them into a small segment of your system where they can do minimal damage.
Post-Quantum Cryptography
Every business should be using data encryption, but you need to do more than encrypt against today’s systems. You need to encrypt against quantum computing. Thieves are hedging their bets and working to steal even encrypted datasets on the assumption that they’ll be able to easily decrypt them once quantum computing becomes available. While yes, quantum computing isn’t widespread and is still massively in development, the fact that it could be the next big thing around the corner means you need to invest in post-quantum cryptography (PQC) for your encryption today.
Cybersecurity Training
Finally, one of the best cybersecurity tools you can invest in to protect your business is simple training. Advanced tools are great, but only if your staff are using them correctly and avoid common errors in their own time. Endpoint protection, for example, can only get you so far. That’s why it’s imperative that you train your staff on the latest cybersecurity threats, so that they know what to watch out for both at work and at home. Combine that training with the advanced tools and protocols outlined in this guide, and you’ll be well on your way to better protecting your business in 2026.
