2026 is set to be a landmark year for cybersecurity. AI, deepfake technology, quantum risk and supply chain vulnerabilities are converging to reshape the cyber landscape. Cybercriminals are now faster, more scalable and increasingly autonomous, relying less on human expertise and more on intelligent, self-learning tools.
1. AI Changing the Threat Landscape: Defence and Attack at Machine Speed
AI is not just changing cybersecurity. It is redefining it. In 2026, AI will accelerate cyber defence, enabling faster detection, automated response and real-time threat modelling. However, it is also lowering the barrier to entry for cybercriminals, powering attack strategies that are faster, continuous and increasingly self-managing.
David Pollock, Chairman, highlights this duality:
“AI will speed up hackers’ ability to attack businesses and government. AI will also speed up our ability to defend and protect our customers.”
We will see a shift from human-led attacks to AI-led adversaries capable of executing cyber-attacks without direct human involvement. These systems will operate at machine speed, identifying vulnerabilities, exploiting zero-day flaws and coordinating simultaneous attacks across multiple networks.
Ryan Bradbury, CTO, explains:
“The speed, scale and automation possible with agent-driven attacks will surpass anything we’ve seen before. We have to stop preparing only for human-led threats and start planning for autonomous AI-led adversaries.”
This means cyber defence will need to become dynamic, adaptive and automated. Continuous validation, predictive analytics and machine-speed response will become non-negotiable. AI-led defence will become the standard, not the exception.
2. Deepfakes, Identity Fraud and the Human Factor
While AI transforms the technical threats, humans will remain the most vulnerable target. In 2026, social engineering will become more sophisticated as deepfake technology enables hyper-realistic voice, video and identity spoofing.
Wayne Price, Commercial Director, warns:
“Deepfakes and synthetic media will cause a surge in identity fraud, forcing organisations to ramp up digital identity verification practices.”
Attacks will no longer rely on poorly written phishing emails. Instead, employees may receive video messages from a supposed CEO requesting payment transfers, or voice calls mimicking trusted suppliers.
Identity and access management will become one of the most important areas of cybersecurity, with organisations investing heavily in digital identity verification, behavioural biometrics and continuous trust authentication.
3. The Future of Ransomware and Smarter Phishing
Ransomware will remain one of the biggest threats in 2026, but AI will make it more intelligent, harder to detect and significantly more scalable.
Adam Myers, Sales Director, has seen a clear rise in this trend:
“We’re seeing emails that look more real and on brand. It’s harder to spot. AI is helping hit that on scale.”
These emails are technically perfect, grammatically accurate and contextually relevant, making them almost indistinguishable from legitimate communications. AI will also be used to test email variations, conducting A/B testing on targets to improve success rates.
Elena Doncheva, Marketing Director, advises:
“Train your people, as they will likely be the first line of defence. Monitor your digital footprint and the dark web for data that attackers can utilise. Test your business continuity plans, disaster recovery and incident response plans.”
4. Quantum Risk, IoT Growth and Zero Trust Security
Quantum computing, while still emerging, poses a direct challenge to current encryption standards. Organisations will need to begin preparing now by exploring quantum-resistant security measures.
Wayne Price summarises the shifting landscape:
“Expect AI, deepfakes, ransomware, quantum computing, and a surge in IoT and cloud-connected devices to reshape cyber security in 2026.”
The growth of connected devices, cloud services and remote infrastructure will dramatically widen the attack surface. This will push organisations towards adopting zero trust frameworks, continuous monitoring and automated threat detection.
While AI transforms the technical threats, humans will remain the most vulnerable target. In 2026, social engineering will become significantly more sophisticated as deepfake technology enables hyper-realistic voice, video and identity spoofing.
Wayne Price, Commercial Director, warns:
“Deepfakes and synthetic media will cause a surge in identity fraud, forcing organisations to ramp up digital identity verification practices.”
Attacks will no longer rely on poorly written phishing emails. Instead, employees may receive video messages from a supposed CEO requesting payment transfers, or voice calls mimicking trusted suppliers.
Gavin Wood, CEO, believes identity protection and human awareness will be critical:
“Human attack vectors will continue to be exploited, especially with AI-driven deepfakes, voice spoofing, phishing, and super realistic, authentic-looking videos, et cetera.”
Identity and access management will become one of the most important areas of cybersecurity, with organisations investing heavily in digital identity verification, behavioural biometrics and continuous trust authentication.
5. Supply Chain Security Becomes a Business Requirement
Supply chain security emerged as a central issue in some of the most significant cyber incidents throughout 2025. As organisations grappled with the repercussions, it became clear that robust supply chain protections are not just desirable but essential.
Elena Doncheva, highlights:
“These trends are already visible in the recent news. It is crucial every organisation is prepared to protect and respond to attacks”
Recent incidents with M&S, Harrods, Co-Op and Jaguar Land Rover put into perspective how critical supply chain is for all organisations.
Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical matter. It is becoming a competitive differentiator. Organisations will start to lose contracts if they cannot prove they meet minimum cybersecurity standards.
Tom Davies, CFO, predicts big changes:
“Procurement teams will start to look at cyber cover in the same way that they do insurance. Those without sufficient cyber cover will start to lose customers.”
Insurers and regulators are also tightening requirements, demanding proof of cyber resilience, business continuity strategies and responsible data handling practices.
Final Thoughts: Secure Your Organisation and Use Cyber Security as Competitive Advantage
Organisations that embrace AI-driven cyber defence, human-first security awareness and supply chain resilience will be best positioned for the next era of cyber risk.
Cybersecurity in 2026 is no longer just about protection. It is about trust, readiness and competitive strength Stay Secure. Security will be your edge.
