Cybersecurity reports often focus on what went wrong.
The 2026 Cyber Protect Report from SonicWall focuses on something more important: why businesses are still getting breached and how to prevent it.
At Divergys, we see the same patterns across Houston small and mid-sized businesses every day. The takeaway is simple:
Cyberattacks are not just increasing. They are becoming more effective.
And most breaches are still preventable.
Attackers Are Getting Smarter
One of the biggest insights from the report:
- Overall attack volume is steady
- Serious, high-impact attacks are increasing
Instead of random attempts, attackers are making more precise moves.
For businesses, this means:
- More real threats mixed into normal activity
- Higher risk of missing something critical
- Less room for error
SMBs Are a Primary Target
Many businesses still believe they are too small to be targeted. That is no longer true.
- SMBs represent 99% of U.S. businesses
- Attackers actively target them as easier entry points
- Ransomware appears in 88% of SMB breaches
Most attacks are automated. If your systems are exposed, they are already being tested.
Key Threat Trends
Automated Attacks at Scale
- Over 36,000 vulnerability scans happen every second
Attackers are not picking targets manually. They are scanning everything and exploiting weaknesses.
Old Vulnerabilities Still Work
- The Log4j vulnerability was targeted over 825 million times in 2025
If patching is inconsistent, your business remains exposed.
Alert Fatigue Is a Real Risk
- 44% of alerts go uninvestigated
- Attackers can stay hidden for an average of 181 days
The warning signs are often there, but not acted on in time.
The Real Issue: Preventable Gaps
The report outlines seven common failures behind most breaches. For SMBs, these boil down to a few critical areas:
- Weak authentication and lack of MFA
- Unpatched systems
- Too much access across networks
- Over reliance on outdated tools like VPNs
- Reactive instead of proactive security
- Investing in tools without proper implementation
The most important takeaway:
Most breaches happen because of basic gaps, not advanced attacks.
What Houston Businesses Should Do
Strengthen the Fundamentals
- Enforce multi-factor authentication
- Patch systems quickly
- Limit administrative access
Reduce Exposure
- Segment your network
- Control access by role
- Secure IoT devices
Be Proactive
- Implement 24/7 monitoring
- Test backups and response plans
- Run regular security assessments
Focus on Execution
- Fully deploy existing tools
- Train your team
- Validate your security, do not assume it
Final Thoughts
Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern. It is a business requirement.
The companies that stay protected are not the ones with the most tools. They are the ones that consistently execute the fundamentals and close security gaps before attackers find them.
How Divergys Helps
Divergys helps Houston businesses:
- Identify and fix security gaps
- Implement 24/7 monitoring and response
- Align cybersecurity with real business outcomes
If you are unsure where your risks are, that is the first place to start.
Contact Divergys to schedule a cybersecurity assessment tailored to your business.
