Hiring Gaps Put Small Businesses at Cyber Risk as 2026 Begins

As 2026 kicks off, cybersecurity experts are warning that staffing and hiring practices are becoming a top vulnerability for small and mid-sized businesses. Companies that rush to fill positions without verifying experience or professional competence risk exposing themselves to fraud, insider threats, and operational failures.

Recent incidents in industries such as property management show how incomplete applications, unvetted references, and misaligned skill sets can create openings for cyber mishaps. Workers with limited familiarity with digital systems or company protocols may inadvertently mishandle sensitive tenant data, mismanage access to cloud platforms, or fail to follow cybersecurity policies — all of which can lead to costly breaches.

“Cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls and antivirus anymore,” said Jenna Morales, a Houston-based IT security consultant. “It’s about ensuring the people you hire understand the systems they’re responsible for and follow procedures consistently. Hiring the wrong person can be a bigger risk than the newest malware attack.”

With more self-storage and service businesses relying on digital platforms for payments, scheduling, and communications, analysts say 2026 will be a critical year to enforce strong hiring standards and cybersecurity training. Experts recommend thorough background checks, verified professional references, and ensuring staff are trained in operational and digital security protocols before granting access to sensitive systems.

As the new year unfolds, the message is clear: operational efficiency and digital security go hand in hand, and staffing choices could make the difference between smooth operations and serious breaches.