When businesses think about cybersecurity, they often think about firewalls, antivirus software, and sophisticated hackers trying to break into their networks.

But according to Kaseya's 2026 Cybersecurity Report, one of the biggest security concerns isn't technology at all. It's people.

The report found that 68% of respondents identified human error, including social engineering and distraction, as a potential gateway to a successful cyberattack in the next 12 months.

That's an important reminder for Montana businesses: Even the best cybersecurity technology can be undermined by one convincing email, one compromised password, or one moment of distraction.

Cybercriminals Don't Always Need to Break In

Sometimes, all they need is someone to open the door.

Consider a typical workday. An employee receives an email that appears to come from a trusted vendor. It requests an urgent payment update or asks them to log into a familiar platform.

The message looks legitimate. The employee is busy. They click.

That single interaction could expose sensitive information, compromise an account, or give an attacker access to business systems.

It's one reason email remains such a significant concern. Kaseya's report found that 55% of respondents identified email as a potential threat vector.

The connection is clear. Email delivers the threat, but the person receiving it often determines what happens next.

Security Awareness Should Be Part of Your Company Culture

Annual cybersecurity training is a good starting point, but protecting your business requires more than checking a box once a year.

Employees need to understand what suspicious activity looks like, why security policies matter, and how to respond when something doesn't seem right.

That means creating an environment where employees feel comfortable asking questions and reporting potential threats.

It also means reinforcing a few important habits:

  • Verify unusual requests, especially those involving payments or sensitive information.
  • Think twice before opening unexpected attachments or clicking unfamiliar links.
  • Use multifactor authentication wherever possible.
  • Report suspicious emails or account activity immediately.
  • Follow established security procedures, even during busy workdays.

The goal isn't to make employees afraid of technology. It's to help them use it confidently and responsibly.

Technology Still Plays a Critical Role

Employee awareness is essential, but it shouldn't be your only defense.

Kaseya's report also highlights concerns surrounding cloud environments, zero-day attacks, and endpoint devices.

These findings reinforce the importance of combining employee education with properly managed security technology.

For example, advanced email protection can help identify malicious messages before they reach an inbox. Endpoint monitoring can detect unusual activity, while access controls and multifactor authentication help protect business accounts.

When these protections work together, organizations are better positioned to prevent, identify, and respond to security incidents.

A Stronger Security Strategy Starts With a Conversation

For many small and midsize businesses, cybersecurity can feel overwhelming. There are countless tools, emerging threats, and competing recommendations.

But building a stronger security strategy doesn't have to begin with a major technology investment.

It can start with a few simple questions:

Are our employees prepared to recognize suspicious activity?

Do we know who has access to our critical systems?

Would we know what to do if an employee's account was compromised?

Are our current security measures keeping pace with how our business operates?

These conversations can uncover gaps that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Helping Montana Businesses Stay One Step Ahead

At Information Systems of Montana, we believe technology should support your business, not create additional challenges.

Our team works with Montana organizations to help manage their IT environments, strengthen cybersecurity protections, and make informed technology decisions.

Because effective cybersecurity isn't just about having the right tools. It's about making sure your people, processes, and technology work together.

Is your team prepared to recognize and respond to today's cybersecurity threats?

Connect with Information Systems of Montana to start a conversation about strengthening your organization's security.

Source: Kaseya 2026 Cybersecurity Report, Building Security That Survives Human Error. Survey percentages reflect respondents' concerns about potential attack vectors, not actual attack frequency.