CISOs predict 2026 will be defined by accelerated AI adoption in both attack and defense, with governance frameworks struggling to keep pace. AI agents will expand the identity attack surface, requiring organizations to treat them as monitored identities. SMEs will become prime ransomware targets due to limited security maturity and AI-driven reconnaissance. Supply chain vulnerabilities will intensify as nation-state actors target critical infrastructure. Security teams will consolidate visibility through AI-powered SOCs and automate incident response. Vendors face pressure to deliver secure-by-design products with better defaults. Organizations must begin preparing for post-quantum cryptography as quantum-vulnerable encryption phases out by 2030.
