Regroove
At the start of every year, we see a familiar spike in cybersecurity incidents, and phishing is almost always at the top of the list. As a company that specializes in cybersecurity, we work closely with businesses and individuals who are caught off guard by just how convincing these attacks have become. Unfortunately, in 2026, phishing is still very much a thing, and one careless click is often all it takes.
Why Cybercriminals Target January
January is prime time for cybercriminals. People are resetting passwords, reviewing finances, filing taxes, shopping sales, and applying for new jobs. That activity creates opportunity. Attackers know users are more likely to expect emails about account changes, invoices, deliveries, or tax documents, and they exploit that expectation.
We regularly see phishing campaigns tied to:
- Tax season and “urgent” notice from tax authorities
- Password resets after the holidays
- Post-holiday sales, refunds, and fake receipts
When inboxes are full and routines are just getting back on track, it is easier for a malicious message to slip through.
Common New Year Phishing Themes
Some phishing lures show up year after year, just with a fresh coat of paint. Common January themes include:
- Account reset emails claiming suspicious activity or expired passwords
- Delivery issues related to holiday or clearance purchases
- Job offers or recruiting messages, especially targeting people exploring career changes
These messages often look legitimate, use familiar branding, and create urgency. They urge recipients to act now or lose access.
Red Flags to Watch For
Even the most polished phishing messages usually leave clues. Encourage your team (and yourself) to watch for:
- Unexpected messages asking you to click links or download attachments
- Slight misspellings in sender addresses or URLs
- Urgent or threatening language pushing immediate action
- Requests for passwords, verification codes, or personal information
If something feels off, it probably is. Pausing for a few seconds can prevent a much bigger problem.
What to Do If You Click a Bad Link
Mistakes happen, even to tech-savvy users. If you think you have clicked a malicious link:
- Do not forward the email or message to others
- Do not enter any information
- Report the incident to IT or your security provider
- Change affected passwords from a known-safe device
The faster you respond, the more damage you can prevent.
Tools and Habits to Stay Safe All Year
Good security does not rely on luck. It relies on habits and tools:
- Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible
- Keep devices and software up to date
- Provide regular security awareness training
We believe the strongest defense starts with informed users and simple, consistent practices. Phishing is not going away, but with the right awareness and safeguards in place, it does not have to succeed. Back to basics still works. Pause. Check. Then click.
If you want expert help protecting your business or personal accounts, reach out to us today. Our team specializes in practical cybersecurity solutions tailored to your needs.