10 Things You May Have Missed in August 2026

August delivered a busy mix of Microsoft security updates, identity management developments, infrastructure improvements, AI security discussions and cyber security industry news. From Microsoft's continued push towards passwordless authentication to major updates across the Acronis platform, there were plenty of developments for organisations to keep an eye on.

Here's our roundup of ten stories that stood out during the month and what they could mean for businesses.

1. Microsoft Fixes Critical Cloud Security Vulnerabilities

Microsoft announced patches for several maximum-severity vulnerabilities affecting key cloud technologies, including Entra ID, Azure Arc, Exchange Online and Azure Managed Instance for Apache Cassandra. The vulnerabilities included risks such as remote code execution and privilege escalation across Microsoft's cloud services.

While Microsoft applied the fixes centrally, the update serves as a reminder that cloud security requires more than simply relying on the provider. Strong identity policies, effective access controls and ongoing monitoring remain essential components of a secure Microsoft environment.

2. Microsoft Continues Its Move Towards Passkeys

Microsoft is accelerating its shift towards passwordless authentication, with passkeys becoming the default sign-in method for users who currently rely on SMS or voice-based authentication. Traditional authentication methods continue to be a popular target for phishing and social engineering attacks, which is driving adoption of stronger, phishing-resistant alternatives.

Organisations should begin reviewing authentication policies now and identify users who still depend on older authentication methods. At Indiko Data, we're already helping clients review their Entra ID security policies and prepare for upcoming authentication changes.

3. Windows 11 26H2 Nears Release

Windows 11 26H2 is expected later this year and will share the same servicing branch as Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2. This approach should allow many organisations to deploy the update through a smaller enablement package rather than a full operating system upgrade.

Although the update is expected to reduce deployment complexity, organisations should still review device compatibility, supported versions and rollout strategies to ensure a smooth transition. Indiko Data supports businesses with Windows device management and upgrade planning through Microsoft Intune and Microsoft 365.

4. New Controls for External Bots in Microsoft Teams

Microsoft is introducing additional controls that allow administrators to automatically block identified external bots from joining Teams meetings. The update provides greater oversight of third-party services that may have access to meeting content and conversations.

As collaboration tools continue to evolve, organisations should regularly review which applications, bots and integrations have access to their Microsoft 365 environment and business data.

5. Acronis Cyber Frame Receives Major Update

Acronis released a significant update to Cyber Frame, its infrastructure and cloud platform. The release includes enhancements across automation, reliability, performance and workload migration capabilities. The platform brings together virtual infrastructure, storage, backup, disaster recovery and security functions within a single solution.

For organisations reviewing their infrastructure and virtualisation strategy, integrated platforms that combine infrastructure and cyber protection could help simplify management while improving resilience.

6. Acronis Achieves Perfect AV-TEST Score

Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud achieved a perfect score of 18 out of 18 in AV-TEST's latest business Windows endpoint protection evaluation. The assessment measured protection, performance and usability, marking Acronis' third consecutive perfect result during 2026.

Independent testing remains an important benchmark when comparing cyber security solutions. For organisations evaluating endpoint protection platforms, third-party validation can provide useful insight into real-world effectiveness. Indiko Data provides the management, monitoring and support surrounding Acronis to help clients maximise the value of the platform.

7. Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud Expands Backup and EDR Capabilities

The latest Cyber Protect Cloud update introduces expanded support for agentless virtual machines, improved Proxmox support and enhanced visibility into automated Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) actions. Administrators can gain a clearer understanding of how threats have been identified and contained while benefiting from greater flexibility when managing backup policies.

Enhanced visibility and simplified management can help organisations maintain consistent protection across increasingly complex environments.

8. Azure-Focused Breach Campaign Highlights Cloud Security Responsibilities

Reports emerged of a breach campaign targeting Microsoft Azure environments, with several major organisations named as alleged victims. While investigations are ongoing, the story reinforces an important point: cloud security depends on far more than the cloud platform itself.

Identity management, permissions, configuration and continuous monitoring all play a significant role in protecting cloud environments. This is why Indiko Data regularly advises clients that moving workloads to Azure is only one part of building a secure and resilient cloud strategy.

9. GPUThor Raises New Questions Around AI Infrastructure Security

Researchers disclosed GPUThor, an attack targeting NVIDIA GPUs that could potentially enable denial-of-service conditions and privilege escalation through memory manipulation techniques. As AI adoption continues to grow, infrastructure security is becoming an increasingly important consideration.

Businesses exploring AI technologies should remember that security extends beyond applications and data. The resilience and protection of the underlying infrastructure will become increasingly important as AI workloads expand.

10. NCSC Addresses Emerging AI Security Risks

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) responded to recent frontier AI security incidents and continues to highlight the growing risks associated with increasingly capable AI systems. The organisation is encouraging businesses to think carefully about governance, oversight and security controls as AI technologies evolve.

As organisations adopt tools such as Microsoft Copilot and other AI technologies, security, governance and data protection should form part of the conversation from day one. AI offers significant productivity benefits, but it also introduces new operational and cyber security considerations that need to be managed effectively.

Final Thoughts

August's stories shared a common theme: technology is advancing quickly, but security, governance and resilience remain critical foundations. Whether it's Microsoft's move towards passkeys, new AI security concerns, or developments across the Acronis platform, organisations should continue reviewing how these changes affect their people, systems and processes.

At Indiko Data, we help organisations strengthen cyber security, modernise IT operations and make the most of Microsoft and Acronis technologies through practical, business-focused support.