A Week in Review: What We’re Seeing in Cybersecurity Right Now

9 January 2026

Cybersecurity conversations have shifted over the last few years. It’s no longer just about firewalls, antivirus, or ticking compliance boxes. More and more, the focus is on people, behaviour, and how organisations build good security habits without slowing everyone down.

This week alone, a few themes kept coming up across client conversations.

Phishing is still the biggest real-world risk

Despite better email filtering and smarter detection tools, phishing remains one of the most common ways attackers get a foot in the door. The reason is simple. Humans are involved.

What has changed is how convincing these emails have become. They look more legitimate, arrive at better times, and are often tailored to the organisation or even the individual.

That’s why one-off training sessions no longer cut it. Security awareness has to be ongoing and realistic. Staff need regular exposure to examples they might actually see, not just generic warnings.

Training works best when it feels supportive

One concern we hear a lot is, “We don’t want staff to feel watched or blamed.”

That’s a fair concern, and it’s also avoidable.

When training and phishing simulations are framed as learning tools rather than tests, the tone changes completely. The aim is to build confidence, not catch people out. Good programmes reinforce what to look for, explain mistakes clearly, and improve over time.

Monthly reporting plays a big role here. Used properly, it gives leadership visibility on overall progress without singling people out unnecessarily. Trends matter more than individuals. Are click rates dropping? Are reports improving? That’s the real value.

Reporting should create clarity, not pressure

Clear, simple reporting helps organisations answer a few key questions:

• Are staff completing their training?
• Is awareness improving over time?
• Where do teams still need support?

When handled well, this kind of insight supports better decisions. It helps IT and security teams focus their efforts and shows leadership that progress is being made. Most importantly, it avoids the “big brother” feeling by keeping the focus on improvement rather than enforcement.

Technology is only useful when it’s set up properly

There are some excellent security awareness and phishing platforms available. But tools on their own don’t solve problems.

Where we see the best outcomes is when technology is matched with the right setup, guidance, and ongoing management. Training schedules make sense. Phishing tests are realistic but fair. Reporting is shared in a way that encourages learning.

This is where Maple supports clients. Not just by recommending the right tools, but by helping integrate them into day-to-day operations in a way that actually works for the business.

Ending the week on a positive note

The most encouraging trend we’re seeing is a shift in mindset. Security awareness is no longer viewed as a chore or a box to tick. More organisations are treating it as part of their culture.

When people understand the “why”, feel supported, and can see progress, security becomes something teams participate in rather than push back against.

That’s a good note to end the week on.

Get in touch with us if you'd like to find out how Maple can help.