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Cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting weaknesses in software, third-party systems and human behaviour to gain access to corporate networks, with software vulnerabilities emerging as the leading initial entry point for data breaches in 2026, according to Verizon’s latest Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR).
Verizon’s 2026 DBIR analysed more than 31,000 security incidents, including over 22,000 confirmed breaches across 145 countries, making it the largest dataset examined in the report’s history. The findings show that attackers are increasingly shifting from simply targeting passwords to exploiting weaknesses across companies’ technology ecosystems.
1. Software Vulnerabilities Lead the Attack Chain
Software vulnerabilities have overtaken credential abuse as the leading initial access route, accounting for 31% of breaches analysed by Verizon.
The development highlights the growing pressure on organisations to identify and fix vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. Verizon also found that the median time organisations took to remediate known exploited vulnerabilities increased to 43 days, creating a substantial window for attackers to act.
The problem is compounded by the sheer number of newly discovered software weaknesses and the speed with which attackers can weaponise them.
2. Stolen Credentials Remain a Major Weakness
Although software flaws have moved into first place, compromised credentials remain a significant part of the cyberattack landscape.
Verizon’s analysis found credential abuse appearing in 13% of breaches as an initial access vector, while credentials featured in a much larger 39% of breaches when the wider attack chain was considered.
This means passwords and account credentials remain valuable targets, particularly where organisations lack strong authentication and access controls.
3. Third-Party Compromise Is Growing
Attackers are also increasingly targeting the companies that sit between businesses and their customers.
Third-party involvement appeared in 48% of breaches, representing a sharp year-on-year increase, according to analysis of Verizon’s 2026 findings.
Vendors, software providers, cloud platforms and other external partners can provide attackers with another route into organisations. A weakness in one supplier can consequently create security risks for several companies connected to its systems.
4. Human Behaviour Still Opens the Door
Despite the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks, people remain an important part of the security equation.
Verizon’s research found that the human element was involved in 62% of breaches, highlighting the continuing role of mistakes, social engineering and compromised user accounts in successful attacks.
Social engineering remains a significant problem because attackers can target employees rather than attempting to defeat technical security systems directly.
For businesses, this means cybersecurity cannot be treated solely as an IT issue; employee awareness and organisational processes remain important components of defence.
5. Ransomware Continues to Put Businesses Under Pressure
Ransomware remains another major threat identified in Verizon’s 2026 research.
The malicious software is now involved in 48% of breaches, showing that attackers continue to rely on extortion and disruption even as other attack techniques evolve.
The continued prominence of ransomware means organisations face risks beyond the theft of information, including operational disruption and financial pressure.
AI Is Accelerating the Threat
One of the notable developments surrounding the 2026 threat landscape is the increasing use of artificial intelligence by attackers.
AI is helping cybercriminals identify weaknesses, automate parts of attacks and make social-engineering campaigns more convincing.
Verizon’s findings show that the fundamental routes into organisations remain familiar, but attackers are becoming faster and more efficient at exploiting them.
Why the Findings Matter for Nigerian Businesses
For businesses in Nigeria and across Africa, the Verizon findings underline the need to look beyond traditional password protection.
As companies increasingly rely on cloud platforms, third-party software, digital payment systems and interconnected services, vulnerabilities can emerge far beyond an organisation’s own network.
The report’s findings suggest that effective cybersecurity requires a broader approach covering software updates, access controls, third-party risk, employee awareness and protection against ransomware and social engineering.
The Bigger Picture
Verizon’s 2026 findings point to a changing cybersecurity environment in which attackers are exploiting both technology weaknesses and organisational weaknesses.
The rise of software vulnerabilities to the top position is particularly significant, but the continued role of compromised credentials, third parties and employees shows that there is no single entry point businesses can secure and consider themselves protected.
For companies, the message from the latest DBIR is clear: cybersecurity increasingly depends on securing the entire digital ecosystem, not just the corporate network.
