Small businesses face escalating cybersecurity threats in 2026, with attacks costing an average of $25,000 per incident and 60% of victims shuttering within six months. Attackers increasingly target under-resourced SMBs using AI automation and sophisticated tactics that bypass traditional defenses. This comprehensive guide details the top 7 threats, their mechanisms, real-world impacts, and actionable defenses to protect your operations. Threat #1: AI-Powered Phishing and Dee