The Top 7 IT Risks in 2026 (And How to Get Ahead of Them)

If you're an executive or IT leader, you’ve probably felt the shift. The IT risk landscape in 2026 isn't just about patching Windows or blocking phishing emails.

The threats are smarter, faster, and sneakier, and many are hiding in plain sight. From nation-state AI to vendor vulnerabilities, the biggest risk now is assuming your old playbook still works.

Here are the top seven IT risks I see for 2026, based on what we’re seeing in the field, and how forward-thinking companies are preparing.

1. AI-Driven Cybercrime

AI isn’t just your co-pilot, it’s also your attacker’s best friend. In 2026, threat actors are using generative AI to craft sophisticated phishing emails, bypass MFA with voice-mimicking techniques, and even write malware that mutates in real time. You’re not just up against hackers anymore; you’re facing automated systems that never sleep.

What to do: Implement 24/7 MDR with behavioral detection, not just signature-based antivirus. Run simulated attacks using AI-based phishing tools. Assume humans will fail, plan around response, not just prevention.

2. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

You may lock down your own systems, but what about your vendors? Third-party software, SaaS apps, and even printer firmware are now common entry points for attackers. With software now cobbled together through APIs and outsourced components, trust is expensive.

What to do: Require vendors to meet CIS, SOCC II, or NIST cybersecurity standards. Scan connected systems for risk monthly. Know what’s inside your tech stack, assume it’s more than you think.

3. Cyber Insurance Denials

It’s happening quietly, but often: businesses that thought they were covered are discovering gaps when it’s too late. Cyber insurance carriers are tightening requirements. If you didn’t follow their fine print, you may be denied coverage even after paying your premiums for years.

What to do: Get a third-party risk assessment tied to your carrier’s checklist. Ensure policies, MFA, backups, and endpoint protection meet current insurer requirements. Solve iT includes this in our standard services.

4. Shadow IT from Remote Workers

Remote and hybrid workforces aren’t going away, but in 2026, the unmonitored apps your team uses are exposing you to more risk than you realize. Unauthorized file sharing, AI chatbots integrated with sensitive data, and “temporary” tools that become permanent all increase the attack surface.

What to do: Conduct dark web scans, app audits, and enforce least-privilege access across cloud systems. Educate users on security without relying on fear. Audit usage quarterly.

5. Cloud Cost Surprises & Misconfigurations

Cloud platforms still offer agility, but they’re also the top source of budget creep and accidental exposure. One unchecked AWS S3 bucket or misconfigured Microsoft Defender policy can lead to public data leaks or five-figure monthly bills.

What to do: Use automated tools to check for public access, weak permissions, and untagged assets. Review cloud usage after hours; most businesses are overspending without realizing it. Always take photos before cleanup, don’t destroy your own forensic trail.

6. Hardware Shortages & Aging Tech

If you haven’t refreshed your hardware, you’re not alone. Many businesses are still running 5–7-year-old machines due to supply chain fears or budget freezes. The issue: EOL (end-of-life) hardware won’t support modern security protocols or AI-driven software. 

What to do: Start planning for lifecycle replacements now. Consider hybrid cloud desktops or certified refurbished gear as stopgaps. Budget for refreshes gradually. Remember, insurance and compliance often exclude EOL systems.

7. Overwhelmed Internal IT Teams

Let’s be real: your IT staff isn’t slacking; they’re buried. Between ticket noise, patching, compliance, and tool sprawl, strategic work never rises to the top. This isn’t just a burnout issue; it’s a business continuity risk.

What to do: Use a Co-Managed IT model to take repetitive tasks off their plate. Offload helpdesk, patching, or backups to free internal teams for architecture and planning. Solve iT’s CoMITs program was designed to address this exact pain point.

Book Your Free Threat Assessment

If any of these risks made your stomach drop, that’s a good instinct. Most breaches  stem from the things people assumed were “fine.”

Solve iT’s free threat assessment includes:

• A dark web scan

• A cyber insurance readiness checklist

• A vulnerability scorecard

• And a roadmap with budget-conscious recommendations

We don’t fearmonger. We show you what’s real and help you plan accordingly.

Click here to book your free threat assessment. Sleep easier knowing what’s hiding in your network.