IT Security Predictions for 2026

IT security predictions for 2026: trends shaping cyber defence and resilience

2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for IT security. Organisations are navigating a landscape where attackers are evolving just as quickly as the technologies meant to stop them. It has been a quite devastating year for cyber breaches, with many high street names suffering significantly. With AI-driven tools becoming mainstream and global regulations tightening, IT teams will need to rethink how they safeguard data, infrastructure, and user trust. The impact of regulations such as DORA, NIS/2, and the UK’s own Cyber Resilience Bill will start to bite, forcing compliance to become a continuous, monitored process rather than a checkbox exercise.

AI-first cyber defence: predictive models and autonomous security systems

One of the most significant trends will be the rapid adoption of autonomous security systems. These AI-powered platforms will not only detect anomalies but also take automated corrective action within seconds. While this reduces response times dramatically, it also raises concerns about over-automation, system transparency, and the need for robust governance. Unfortunately, hackers will be using autonomous systems to fight their way through this enhanced security.

Identity security: passwordless authentication and risk-based access

Identity security will become increasingly important. As the hybrid working becomes the norm, identity will remain the most targeted attack surface. Expect to see widespread deployment of passwordless authentication, continuous risk-based access controls, and decentralised identity frameworks.

Regulatory landscape tighten: DORA, NIS2 and the UK Cyber Resilience Bill 

Regulatory landscapes will tighten globally, pushing organisations toward higher standards of data protection. Compliance will no longer be a checkbox exercise but a continuous, monitored process integrated throughout IT operations.

Key predictions for 2026 include:

• AI-first cyber defence becomes standard, with predictive models identifying threats days before exploitation.
• Zero Trust evolves from a framework to a fully automated ecosystem, supported by identity intelligence and behavioural analytics.
• Supply chain security will see an increased focus as most breaches occur through your supplier network. Organisations will demand greater visibility, contractual resilience, and automated monitoring across their supply chains.
• Quantum-resistant encryption adoption accelerates as enterprises prepare for post-quantum threats.

The future of IT Security: Automation, Intelligence and Resilience

By the end of 2026, IT security will be defined by automation, intelligence, and resilience. Organisations that invest early in adaptive security architectures will be best positioned to navigate the challenges ahead.