Cyber attacks have become the dominant concern for professional services firms in 2026, reflecting a marked shift in how organisations assess risk in an increasingly digital economy.

New research from Everywhen found that 65 per cent of respondents identified cyber threats as the single biggest risk facing their business — more than three times higher than any other category. Economic pressures ranked a distant second at 18 per cent, followed by professional negligence claims (9 per cent) and regulatory change (8 per cent).

The findings point to a reordering of priorities across sectors such as legal, financial and consultancy services, where reliance on data and digital infrastructure has expanded rapidly. As a result, exposure to risks including ransomware attacks and data breaches has intensified, elevating cyber security to a central boardroom issue.

By contrast, more traditional concerns appear to be receding in relative importance. The comparatively low ranking of professional negligence and regulatory risk suggests firms are responding to the frequency and severity of cyber incidents by shifting attention and resources towards digital resilience.

The survey comes against a backdrop of broader pressures facing the sector. Many firms are contending with economic uncertainty, rising operating costs and changing client expectations, compounding the challenge of managing risk in a more complex environment.

Everywhen said the implications extend beyond immediate technical disruption. Cyber incidents can trigger a cascade of consequences, including business interruption, regulatory scrutiny and potential liability claims if client data is compromised.

A spokesperson for the company said the findings underscored the need for a more integrated approach to risk management. “Cyber threats represent a fundamental and growing business risk,” they said. “Professional firms are custodians of highly sensitive client data, which makes them a prime target.”

They added that insurance cover is increasingly under scrutiny. “There remains a tendency to view cyber insurance as optional, but it is rapidly becoming a core component of a firm’s overall risk strategy.”

The results suggest that as digital exposure grows, firms may need to reassess both their operational safeguards and financial protections to keep pace with an evolving threat landscape.