As we approach 2026, the concept of 'cyber resilience' is becoming increasingly important for SMEs that depend on cloud services, mobile apps and a mix of office and home devices.

We are seeing more and more stories in the tech world that show how quickly things are changing and two recent security events highlighted this clearly. One involved Microsoft Azure, a cloud platform that many SMEs already rely on. The other involved WhatsApp, an app that most of us use every day without a second thought.

Preparing for 2026 means building confidence in the systems, habits and platforms you already use. Most of that starts with small steps.

Azure blocked the largest DDoS attack ever recorded

Imagine 3.5 million Netflix films streaming at the same time. Now imagine that amount of traffic being pushed toward a single cloud service in Australia.

This is what happened when Azure faced a DDoS attack reaching 15.72 terabits per second, the largest ever recorded. The attack was powered by more than 500,000 compromised smart devices, including everyday gadgets such as cameras, routers and doorbells, as well as other IoT equipment.

Despite the scale of the attack, Azure customers were not impacted. The attack was automatically detected, filtered and deflected.

What this really means for SMEs

Events like this prove an important points:

• Choosing a resilient platform means you don't need to match the scale of global attacks. The platform does that for you.
• Azure's security infrastructure is designed to handle pressures far beyond anything that most SMEs will ever face.

For business owners, this is an encouraging reminder:

• You benefit from Microsoft's global defences.
• Large-scale attacks are handled in the background.
• Cloud resilience is often stronger than any on-premises setup.

As the number of connected devices increases, so does the potential scale of attacks. But choosing a strong platform means you're not standing in front of that wave alone.

Learn more about Microsoft Azure.

The impact of everyday apps on business risk

While Azure was dealing with a massive wave of attack traffic, a very different security issue was unfolding around WhatsApp. Researchers discovered a vulnerability that allowed them to collect publicly visible profile information from 3.5 billion accounts in just two days. No messages were accessed and no private conversations were exposed, but the scale is surprising.

Why this matters for SMEs

WhatsApp is a personal app, but many teams use it informally for work. This is understandable. It is quick and familiar, but it comes with a few risks:

• Profile photos and statuses can help attackers create believable phishing messages.
• Phone numbers linked to active devices can be targeted for scams.
• Staff may share work-related information in a tool the business does not manage.
• Profiles can unintentionally reveal personal or professional details.

Resilience comes from strong foundations, not firefighting

These two incidents tell a bigger story. Because technology is so connected, issues on large platforms can create knock-on effects for organisations of all sizes.

The good news for SMEs is that building resilience doesn't require an enterprise-level budget or in-depth technical knowledge. You don't need to understand every global incident or predict every threat.

You simply need:

• well-configured systems
• good communication habits
• Regular reviews of your key systems
• secure platforms that provide core protection for you
• a trusted managed service provider who works as an extension of your team

Most resilience comes from small, consistent actions.

Practical steps for a more resilient start to 2026

Here are manageable actions that strengthen your organisation's resilience without overwhelming your team:

• Make the most of Azure's protections

Review your configuration to ensure key features are switched on. You don't need deep technical knowledge, we can help.

• Refresh communication guidance

Encourage secure tools for work discussions, especially when information is sensitive.

• Update BYOD expectations

Keep personal devices and workplace information clearly separate.

• Check internet-facing systems

Make sure access points, firewalls and remote tools follow current best practice.

• Test your backup and restore process

A successful restore test is one of the strongest indicators of resilience.

• Achieve or renew your Cyber Essentials certification

A simple, structured framework that covers the fundamentals and builds confidence.

What SMEs should take from this

Recent events don't suggest that technology is getting out of control. If anything, they highlight the opposite:

• Azure is proving its strength under extreme pressure.
• WhatsApp’s flaw reminds us why small security habits matter.

To create an environment where your systems, people and tools support each other, even when something unexpected happens in the wider world, all you need is strong foundations.

If you’d like support with reviewing your cloud setup, improving cyber resilience, or working towards Cyber Essentials certification, our team is here to help.