Technology continues to shape nearly every aspect of our daily lives. We communicate with family and friends online, manage finances through apps, help our children learn using digital tools, and rely on smartphones for everything from navigation to shopping.

While technology creates incredible opportunities, it also creates opportunities for cybercriminals.

According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), Americans reported nearly $21 billion in cybercrime losses during 2025, with more than 1 million complaints submitted to federal authorities. Cybercrime is no longer a problem that affects only large corporations or government agencies. It affects students, parents, grandparents, schools, and entire communities.

As we look at the cybersecurity landscape in 2026, several trends stand out as particularly important for families to understand.

Software Updates Matter More Than Ever

One of the simplest and most effective cybersecurity practices is keeping devices updated.

Software updates often contain security fixes that protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities. Once those vulnerabilities become public, attackers frequently begin searching for systems that have not yet been updated.

According to Verizon's 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report, ransomware was involved in approximately 44% of data breaches worldwide. Many attacks take advantage of vulnerabilities that already have security updates available.

Simple habits can go a long way toward reducing risk:

• Turn on automatic updates whenever possible.
• Keep computers, phones, and tablets updated.
• Update web browsers regularly.
• Replace devices that no longer receive security updates.

Think of updates as routine maintenance for your digital life. A few minutes spent updating today can help prevent much larger problems tomorrow.

Coming soon in Cybersecurity Corner: Why Software Updates Are One of the Best Defenses Against Cybercrime.

Artificial Intelligence Is Supercharging Cybercrime

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how we work, learn, and communicate. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are using the same technology to make scams more convincing and more difficult to detect.

Today's scams can include:

• Emails that appear professionally written
• AI-generated text messages
• Voice recordings that sound like a family member
• Deepfake videos designed to spread misinformation
• Fake customer support conversations and social media profiles

According to the FBI, Americans reported more than 22,000 AI-related cybercrime complaints in 2025, resulting in nearly $900 million in losses.

As AI becomes more sophisticated, verifying information before acting will become increasingly important. Just because something looks real or sounds real does not mean it is.

Coming soon in Cybersecurity Corner: AI Scams and Deepfakes: Trust, but Verify.

Passwords Are Changing

Passwords have protected online accounts for decades, but cybercriminals have become increasingly effective at stealing them through phishing attacks, data breaches, and malware.

To better protect accounts, cybersecurity experts recommend:

• Using a password manager
• Creating unique passwords for every account
• Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• Using passkeys when available

Passkeys allow users to sign in with a fingerprint, facial recognition, or device PIN instead of a traditional password. Major technology companies are increasingly adopting this technology because it is more resistant to phishing and credential theft.

Strong passwords remain important, but additional layers of protection are becoming essential.

Coming soon in Cybersecurity Corner: Passwords, MFA, and Passkeys Explained.

AI Is Changing Social Engineering

For years, cybercriminals have relied on social engineering, the practice of manipulating people into revealing information, sending money, or granting access to accounts.

Artificial intelligence is making these attacks more effective than ever.

According to Verizon's 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report, approximately 60% of breaches involved a human element, such as phishing, stolen credentials, misuse, or user error.

Cybercriminals increasingly use AI to:

• Create convincing phishing emails
• Generate realistic text messages
• Clone voices from audio samples
• Produce fake images and videos
• Impersonate trusted organizations

The good news is that the defense remains simple: slow down and verify. If you receive an unexpected request for money, personal information, or account access, verify it through another trusted method before responding.

For requests that appear to come from family members or close friends, consider asking a question that only they would know the answer to, such as a shared memory, a family nickname, or a favorite vacation spot.

Coming soon in Cybersecurity Corner: AI Is Supercharging Social Engineering Attacks.

Helping Children Navigate the Digital World

Students today are growing up in a connected world. Technology offers incredible opportunities for learning, creativity, and communication, but it also introduces new risks.

Families should be aware of:

• Online scams targeting younger users
• Social media manipulation
• Privacy concerns
• Cyberbullying
• AI-generated content
• Deepfakes and misinformation

Teaching children how to think critically about online content is becoming just as important as teaching them how to use technology itself.

The goal is not to create fear of technology but to help students become responsible, informed, and safe digital citizens.

Coming soon in Cybersecurity Corner: Raising Digitally Resilient Children.

Older Adults Continue to Be Major Targets

While anyone can become a victim of cybercrime, older adults often experience some of the highest financial losses.

According to the FBI, Americans aged 60 and older reported approximately $7.7 billion in cybercrime losses during 2025.

Common scams targeting seniors include:

• Tech support scams
• Investment scams
• Romance scams
• Government impersonation scams
• Grandparent scams
• AI-generated voice impersonation scams

Families can help protect loved ones by discussing common scam tactics and encouraging verification before sharing information or sending money.

Coming soon in Cybersecurity Corner: The Most Common Scams Targeting Seniors and How to Avoid Them.

Five Habits That Make the Biggest Difference

While technology continues to evolve, many of the best defenses remain simple:

1. Keep devices updated.
2. Use unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
3. Verify unexpected requests before responding.
4. Talk with children about online safety and digital literacy.
5. Help older family members recognize common scams.

These habits will not eliminate every cybersecurity risk, but they significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim.

Looking Ahead

The cybersecurity challenges of 2026 are being shaped by artificial intelligence, increasingly sophisticated scams, and the growing amount of personal information available online. While the technology behind these threats continues to evolve, the fundamentals of staying safe remain largely the same.

Stay informed. Think critically. Verify before you trust.

Cybersecurity is no longer just a technology issue. It is a life skill. By working together as a community and practicing safe online habits, we can help create a safer digital environment for everyone.

Over the coming months, Cybersecurity Corner will take a deeper look at each of these topics, providing practical advice and real-world examples to help students, families, staff, and community members stay safe online.

References

Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2026). Internet crime report 2025. Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Verizon. (2025). 2025 data breach investigations report (DBIR).