Cybersecurity by the Numbers: Insights from the CrowdStrike 2026 Global Threat Report
Every year, cybersecurity researchers analyze millions of real-world attacks to understand better how cybercriminals are changing their tactics. OCCSI’s Cybersecurity by the Numbers series takes key findings from CrowdStrike’s 2026 Global Threat Report and explains what they mean for small and midsize businesses.One of the most surprising findings in this year’s report is this:
One of the most surprising findings in the report is CrowdStrike’s data showing that “82% of attacks” were entirely malware-free.
For many business owners, that statistic raises an obvious question:
If attackers aren’t using malware, how are they getting in?
The answer highlights one of the biggest shifts in today’s cybersecurity environment. Rather than depending solely on malicious software, attackers are increasingly targeting user identities through stolen passwords, compromised accounts, phishing emails, and legitimate administrative tools.
It’s a reminder that although antivirus software remains an important part of a cybersecurity strategy, it can no longer be the only line of defense.
The Threat Landscape Has Changed
For years, malware was one of the primary ways cybercriminals compromised businesses. A user clicked on a malicious attachment, downloaded infected software, or visited a compromised website, allowing attackers to install harmful code on a computer.
Those threats still exist, but today’s attackers have more options.
Instead of trying to bypass antivirus software, many log in using stolen credentials. Once inside, they use trusted tools already available within operating systems or cloud platforms to explore the environment, gather information, and move between systems.
Because those activities often resemble legitimate user behavior, they can be much harder to identify than traditional malware.
Why Are Malware-Free Attacks Increasing?
CrowdStrike’s report points to a wider trend: attackers are focusing on techniques that are efficient, difficult to detect, and less likely to trigger traditional security tools.
A phishing email that captures an employee’s Microsoft 365 password may provide immediate access to email, files, calendars, and collaboration platforms without requiring malware.
Likewise, credentials exposed through previous data leaks or weak password practices can give attackers a way into business systems with little effort.
For organizations, identity has become one of the most important assets to protect.
Security Has Become More Than Antivirus
Antivirus software is still an important layer of protection. It helps detect known threats, spot suspicious files, and stop many forms of malware before they can cause harm.
However, the CrowdStrike report illustrates why cybersecurity now requires a wider approach.
Businesses should also focus on:
- Securing user accounts with multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Monitoring for unusual login activity.
- Training employees regarding phishing and social engineering.
- Keeping systems and applications up to date.
- Review user permissions regularly.
Each of these measures addresses risks that conventional antivirus software cannot handle alone.
Why This Matters for Small and Midsize Businesses
Cybercriminals don’t always target organizations because they’re large. More often, they look for opportunities.
A single compromised email account can deliver valuable information about vendors, customers, invoices, and internal communications. It can also be used to send convincing phishing emails to coworkers or business partners.
That’s why businesses of every size should think about cybersecurity in terms of protecting identities, not just devices.
The goal is no longer simply preventing malware from reaching a computer. It’s blocking unauthorized users from gaining access to your business in the first place.
Looking Beyond the Endpoint
Another key takeaway from CrowdStrike’s research is that cybersecurity is becoming progressively interconnected.
An attacker who gains access to one account may attempt to reach cloud storage, collaboration platforms, financial systems, or backup solutions. This is one reason identity protection, cloud security, and endpoint security are increasingly viewed as parts of the same overall strategy.
While businesses continue adopting cloud services and hybrid work environments, securing user identities will only become more important.
The Bottom Line
The CrowdStrike 2026 Global Threat Report reinforces an important reality: modern cyberattacks don’t always rely on malware.
With 82% of detected attacks occurring without malware, businesses should look past traditional antivirus software and consider whether their entire cybersecurity strategy mirrors today’s threat landscape.
Strong authentication, employee awareness, active monitoring, and layered security all play an important role in helping organizations reduce risk.
Take Action Today
- Enable multi-factor authentication for every business account.
- Review password policies and encourage the use of distinct passwords.
- Provide regular phishing awareness training for employees.
- Monitor login activity for unusual access attempts.
- Review your cybersecurity strategy to ensure it addresses identity-based threats as well as malware.
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How OCCSI Can Help
Today’s cybersecurity challenges go beyond antivirus software. OCCSI works with businesses to strengthen identity security, protect Microsoft 365 environments, improve endpoint protection, and implement layered cybersecurity approaches designed for today’s evolving threat landscape. Whether you’re reviewing your current security posture or planning for the future, we’re here to help.
Coming Up Next
Your Microsoft 365 Account Could Be Your Biggest Security Risk
While businesses continue moving to the cloud, attackers are following. In the next article, we’ll explore why Microsoft 365 environments have become a common target for cybercriminals and what organizations can do to protect their accounts and data better.
Statistics referenced in this article are based on CrowdStrike’s 2026 Global Threat Report. This article reflects OCCSI’s interpretation of the report and is intended to help small and midsize businesses better understand today’s cybersecurity environment.
