Executive summary Cybersecurity in 2026 is accelerating amid growing threats, geopolitical fragmentation and a widening technological divide. Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming cyber on both sides of the fight – strengthening defence while enabling more sophisticated attacks. Organizations are striving to balance innovation with security – embracing AI and automation at scale, even as governance frameworks and human expertise struggle to keep pace. The result is a fast-paced, metamorphic landscape where disruptions move swiftly across borders, even as technology offers new potential for resilience. This year’s report examines the intersection of AI adoption and cyber readiness, and the emerging disparities that innovation creates. On the geopolitical front, fragmentation and sovereignty concerns are reshaping cooperation and trust among nations. Hybrid threats and escalating cyberattacks reflect the increasing volatility of the global environment. From an economic perspective, unequal access to resources and expertise continues to widen cyber inequity. Ultimately, strengthening collective cyber resilience has become both an economic and a societal imperative. Cybersecurity is a frontier where collaboration remains not only possible, but powerful – a reminder that, even amid fragmentation, economic strain and uncertainty, collective action can drive progress for all. These are three key trends that executives will need to navigate in cybersecurity in 2026:Cybersecurity is a frontier where collaboration remains not only possible, but powerful. 1. AI is supercharging the cyber arms race AI is anticipated to be the most significant driver of change in cybersecurity in the year ahead, according to 94% of survey respondents (see Appendix: Methodology for more information about the survey). This growing recognition is translating into concrete action across organizations. The percentage of respondents assessing the security of AI tools has nearly doubled from the previous year, from 37% in 2025 to 64% in 2026. Percentage of organizations with processes in place to assess AI security FIGURE A 2026 20% 40% 60% 80% Yes NoDoes your organization have a process in place to assess the security of AI tools before deploying them? 0% 100%2025 63%36% 37%64% Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026 4