How the M&S Cyber Attack Changed Business Cybersecurity Heading into 2026

One of the most significant cyber incidents of 2025 was the high-profile attack on Marks & Spencer (M&S). The scale, sophistication, and impact of the breach sent a clear message to organisations across every sector: no business is immune, and traditional cybersecurity approaches are no longer enough.

As we move into 2026, the M&S cyber attack is widely viewed as a turning point in how businesses think about protecting their systems, data, and customers, particularly in an era increasingly shaped by AI-driven cyber threats.

Why the M&S Cyber Attack Was a Turning Point

Unlike smaller or isolated breaches, the M&S incident demonstrated several uncomfortable truths for businesses of all sizes. It showed that even well-established organisations with experienced internal IT teams can be compromised. Attackers no longer rely on a single weakness, they exploit a combination of technical vulnerabilities and human behaviour.

Perhaps most importantly, the attack highlighted how speed and automation now give cybercriminals a significant advantage. Once access is gained, attackers can move quickly, escalating privileges and spreading across systems before traditional security tools even raise an alert.

This incident reinforced the reality that perimeter-based security models alone are no longer sufficient.

The Growing Role of AI in Cyber Attacks

Artificial intelligence has transformed how cybercriminals operate. In 2025, attackers increasingly used AI to generate convincing phishing emails that closely mimic real communication styles, making them harder to detect. Automated vulnerability scanning allowed criminals to identify weaknesses at scale, while machine learning accelerated password-cracking efforts.

More concerning still is the rise of adaptive malware, capable of changing its behaviour to evade detection. As attackers continue to leverage AI, businesses must respond with equally advanced defensive tools.

How Cybersecurity Strategy Must Evolve in 2026

Following major incidents like M&S, businesses are rethinking their cybersecurity strategies. There is a growing shift towards behaviour-based security, which focuses on detecting unusual activity rather than relying solely on known threats. Continuous risk assessment has become essential, recognising that security is an ongoing process, not a one-off project.

Cybersecurity is also becoming deeply integrated into wider IT decision-making, from cloud adoption to software deployment, and accountability is increasingly moving to the board level.

What This Means for SMEs

The M&S attack proves that cyber risk is not limited by size. Small and medium-sized businesses must adopt enterprise-level thinking without the cost and complexity of enterprise-sized teams. This is where managed IT support becomes invaluable, delivering expertise, monitoring, and strategic guidance in a cost-effective way.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Cybersecurity in 2026 will be defined by anticipation, automation, and adaptability. Businesses that learn from major incidents like M&S and act now will be far better positioned to protect their operations, customers, and reputation.

At CapNet, we help organisations stay ahead of evolving threats with proactive IT support and a security-first approach, ensuring technology enables growth rather than exposing risk.