By the time February rolls around, the shine of the new year is gone. The inbox is still overflowing. Meetings are still stacking up. You’re still trying to do the work of several people with the same limited hours in the day. And on top of all that, AI is suddenly part of every conversation.

February is here. Tax filing activity is picking up. Accountants are stretched thinner. Bookkeepers are gathering paperwork. Minds are already on W-2s, 1099s, and looming due dates. What rarely gets scheduled is the first real problem of tax season. And it usually has nothing to do with paperwork. It’s fraud.

It’s February. Hearts are everywhere. Chocolate is being purchased. Dinner plans are being made. People are suddenly pretending they enjoy romantic comedies again. So, let’s talk about relationships. Specifically, the kind you have with your technology support.

Right now, somewhere in the world, a cybercriminal is planning for the new year. They are not setting goals about wellness or balance. They are reviewing what attacks paid off in 2025 and mapping out how to make even more money in 2026. And small businesses are at the top of their list.

January is often when people finally book the appointments they have been delaying. A doctor visit. A dental cleaning. Maybe even getting that strange noise in the car checked out. Preventive care is rarely exciting, but it is far better than dealing with a problem that could have been avoided.