Top 5 Cybersecurity Threats Facing Leicester Businesses in 2026
Cyber threats are evolving faster than ever. In 2026, Leicester businesses of all sizes are facing increasingly sophisticated attacks from cybercriminals. Understanding the threats you face is the first step to protecting your business.
Microtech have been protecting Leicester and East Midlands businesses from cyber threats since 1986. Here are the top 5 cybersecurity threats your business needs to be aware of in 2026.
1. Phishing Attacks
Phishing remains the number one cause of cyber breaches in UK businesses. Cybercriminals send convincing emails pretending to be from trusted organisations — banks, HMRC, Microsoft or even your own colleagues — tricking staff into clicking malicious links or handing over login credentials.
In 2026, AI-powered phishing emails are becoming increasingly convincing and harder to spot. Leicester businesses need robust email security and regular staff training to stay protected.
How Microtech can help: Email security filtering, staff cybersecurity awareness training and multi-factor authentication setup.
2. Ransomware
Ransomware attacks encrypt your business data and demand a ransom payment to restore access. A successful ransomware attack can bring a Leicester business to a complete standstill — with recovery taking days or weeks and costing thousands of pounds.
Small and medium businesses are increasingly targeted because they are seen as easier targets than large corporations.
How Microtech can help: 24/7 monitoring, robust backup and disaster recovery, endpoint protection and Cyber Essentials certification.
3. Business Email Compromise
Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a sophisticated scam where cybercriminals gain access to a business email account and use it to commit fraud — often by impersonating a senior employee and requesting urgent bank transfers.
BEC attacks cost UK businesses millions every year and are growing rapidly.
How Microtech can help: Multi-factor authentication, email security monitoring and staff training.
4. Insider Threats
Not all cyber threats come from outside your business. Insider threats — whether from disgruntled employees, careless staff or compromised accounts — are a growing risk for Leicester businesses.
A single employee clicking a malicious link or using a weak password can expose your entire business to attack.
How Microtech can help: User access controls, activity monitoring, staff training and Cyber Essentials certification.
5. Supply Chain Attacks
Supply chain attacks target the suppliers and partners your business works with — using them as a backdoor into your systems. As Leicester businesses become more connected with suppliers and partners, supply chain attacks are becoming an increasing risk.
How Microtech can help: IT and OT cybersecurity assessment, supplier risk management and Cyber Essentials certification.
How to Protect Your Leicester Business in 2026
The good news is that most cyber attacks can be prevented with the right controls in place. Microtech recommend every Leicester business take these steps:
– Get Cyber Essentials certified
– Enable multi-factor authentication on all accounts
– Keep all software and devices up to date
– Train staff to recognise phishing emails
– Back up your data regularly and test your backups
– Work with a trusted managed IT provider
Get Cybersecurity Support in Leicester Today
Do not wait until after a cyber attack to take action. Microtech provide comprehensive cybersecurity services to Leicester and East Midlands businesses.
Call: 0116 2731677
Email: support@microtechdigital.net
Address: Universe House, 1 Merus Court, Meridian Business Park, Leicester, LE19 1RJ
Contact Microtech today for a free cybersecurity consultation.
