As we wrap up 2025, it’s worth looking back at what happened in IT this year and thinking about what might be coming in 2026. For small businesses, keeping up with IT trends can feel overwhelming, but understanding what’s happening helps you make better decisions about your technology.
This year saw some interesting developments. AI tools became more accessible and practical for small businesses. Security threats continued to evolve, with ransomware and phishing attacks becoming more sophisticated. Cloud adoption kept growing, and remote work infrastructure became more mature.
Looking ahead to 2026, we expect these trends to continue, with some new developments that small businesses should be aware of. Here’s what we’re seeing and what it might mean for your business.
AI Tools Became Practical
2025 was the year AI tools became actually useful for small businesses. Not the hype and promises, but real tools that solve real problems. Chatbots for customer service, AI assistants for writing and content creation, tools that automate repetitive tasks.
We’ve seen businesses use AI to draft emails, create marketing content, analyse data, and handle customer inquiries. The tools are getting better, and they’re becoming more affordable. What was experimental in 2024 is now practical in 2025.
For 2026, we expect AI tools to become even more integrated into business software. Microsoft 365 and other platforms are adding AI features directly into their applications. You won’t need separate AI tools for everything. The AI will be built into the software you already use.
But there’s a learning curve. AI tools require training and adjustment. They’re not magic. You need to understand what they can and can’t do, and how to use them effectively. Businesses that invest time in learning AI tools will get more value than those that just install them and hope for the best.
Security Threats Kept Evolving
Ransomware attacks continued to be a major problem in 2025. Attackers are getting better at what they do. They’re targeting smaller businesses more often, because smaller businesses often have weaker security and are more likely to pay ransoms.
Phishing attacks became more sophisticated. AI is being used to create more convincing phishing emails. Deepfake technology is being used in some attacks. The old advice of “look for spelling mistakes” doesn’t work anymore. Phishing emails look legitimate.
For 2026, we expect these trends to continue. Security will remain a top priority. Businesses that haven’t invested in security will be at increasing risk. Multi-factor authentication, regular backups, security training, these aren’t optional anymore.
The good news is that security tools are getting better and more affordable. Small businesses can implement strong security without breaking the bank. But you need to actually do it. Having security tools isn’t enough if they’re not configured correctly or if employees aren’t trained.
Cloud Adoption Continued
More businesses moved to the cloud in 2025. Microsoft 365, cloud-based accounting software, customer management systems. The trend away from on-premises servers continued.
For small businesses, the cloud makes sense. Lower upfront costs, automatic updates, access from anywhere, built-in backup. The benefits are clear. But there are challenges too. Managing cloud subscriptions, understanding what you’re paying for, ensuring security and compliance.
In 2026, we expect cloud adoption to continue, but with more focus on optimisation. Businesses are realising they’re paying for cloud services they don’t use, or they’re using multiple services that do the same thing. There will be more focus on consolidating and optimising cloud spending.
Also, businesses will need to think more about cloud security and compliance. Just because data is in the cloud doesn’t mean it’s automatically secure. You still need to configure security settings, manage access, and ensure compliance with regulations.
Remote Work Infrastructure Matured
Remote work isn’t new, but 2025 saw businesses getting better at it. The infrastructure improved. Tools became more reliable. Best practices became clearer. Remote work went from “we’re making it work” to “this is how we work.”
We’ve helped businesses set up proper remote work infrastructure this year. VPNs, collaboration tools, device management, security policies. The businesses that invested in remote work infrastructure are seeing benefits in productivity and employee satisfaction.
For 2026, we expect remote work to remain common, but with more focus on hybrid models. Some days in the office, some days remote. This requires different infrastructure than fully remote or fully in-office. Businesses will need to support both modes seamlessly.
Also, there will be more focus on remote work security. When people work from home, they’re not protected by office network security. Businesses need to ensure remote workers have secure connections, updated devices, and proper security training.
What to Watch in 2026
Looking ahead, here are some things small businesses should be aware of:
AI regulation is coming. Governments are starting to regulate AI tools, especially around data privacy and bias. Businesses using AI will need to understand and comply with these regulations.
Quantum computing is still years away for practical use, but it’s worth being aware of. When quantum computers become practical, they’ll break current encryption methods. Businesses should start thinking about “quantum-safe” encryption, though this isn’t urgent yet.
Internet of Things (IoT) devices are becoming more common in businesses. Smart sensors, connected devices, automation. But IoT devices are often insecure. Businesses need to think about securing these devices and managing the data they collect.
Sustainability is becoming more important. Businesses are being asked about their environmental impact, and IT has a role to play. Energy-efficient devices, cloud computing (which is often more efficient than on-premises servers), and responsible e-waste disposal.
Making Sense of It All
IT trends can feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to adopt everything immediately. Focus on what matters for your business. If AI tools can solve a specific problem you have, explore them. If your security needs improvement, prioritise that. If cloud services can save money or improve efficiency, consider them.
The most important thing is to stay informed and make deliberate decisions. Don’t adopt new technology just because it’s trendy. Adopt it because it solves a problem or improves your business.
And remember: you don’t have to figure this out alone. IT consultants can help you understand trends, evaluate options, and make decisions that fit your business. If you’re not sure what to focus on, get help.
If you want to discuss how these trends might affect your business, or if you need help planning your IT strategy for 2026, get in touch. We’ve helped businesses navigate IT trends and make smart technology decisions and can help you too.