Many small business owners think about cybersecurity as an IT department responsibility or a one-and-done task. Comcast Business’s newly released 2026 Cybersecurity Threat Report makes it clear that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and a risk for small businesses in New Jersey.
The report analyzed 79.3 billion cybersecurity events over the past year, which is roughly 2,514 per second. In Small Business Month 2026 (May) alone, Comcast Business blocked threats targeting small businesses at an average rate of more than 230 per second. Cybercriminals are moving away from breaking into accounts, devices, and networks and instead using legitimate logins or taking over everyday devices not immediately thought of as cyber risks.
Building devices like security cameras outside a storefront, routers in the back office, TVs providing entertainment for customers, and point-of-sale (POS) systems are often unprotected and are becoming low-lift tools for hackers to exploit in an attack
Phishing emails and drive-by compromise attacks are some of the most common routes for attackers to gain entry, with 25.4 billion and 21.9 billion attempts over the past year, respectively. The report also found 5.8 million attempts to take control of employee browsers, underscoring that the cyberattack surface now includes everyday tools and devices.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Fortunately, small businesses can protect themselves with simple steps, even without the budget or IT team of a large enterprise. Practical steps, including securing every device, enforcing stronger password requirements, and training employees to spot attacks like phishing, can help keep small businesses from becoming victims. Also, choosing a network provider with built-in threat protection and consistent monitoring helps business owners stay on top of their security.
It’s more important than ever for small businesses in New Jersey to use this Cybersecurity Awareness Month as a reminder that cybersecurity is a shared, year-round responsibility. Through protective measures and a trusted connectivity partner, small business owners can stay focused on running their business.
For more information, visit https://business.comcast.com/resources/enterprise/reports/2026-comcast-business-cybersecurity-threat-report, or reach out to your local Comcast Business team at Comcast Business Marketing.
