Cyber threats in the agri-food and retail sectors are no longer limited to complex technical attacks; they have also become increasingly sophisticated in the realm of social engineering. Targeted phishing at operators has emerged as one of the most effective tactics for compromising factory security.

The food industry is undergoing a remarkable digital transformation. Production plants are becoming increasingly smart and connected, extending traceability and automation systems across the entire supply chain. This technological evolution has optimized efficiency but has also elevated cybersecurity from a technical requirement to a key strategic factor for safeguarding business continuity.

In 2026, biotechnology will continue to be one of the most strategic sectors—and one of the most exposed to cyber threats. Biotech companies manage the most valuable information in modern science: genetic data, clinical trial results, research algorithms, and patents. Protecting this information means protecting the core of innovation.

Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical or regulatory requirement; it is a key factor in building trust with investors, partners, and patients. In an environment where progress is measured in data, safeguarding it is a strategic priority.

In 2026, the logistics sector will continue to undergo an unprecedented transformation. The digitalization of warehouses, fleets, and traceability processes is making supply chains more efficient and connected, but also more vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Logistics operators manage critical information such as transportation routes, customer and supplier data, customs systems, and even information on sensitive cargo. This reliance on digital platforms, combined with the pressure to meet delivery deadlines and regulatory requirements, makes the sector a prime target for cybercriminals.

At ESED, every year we like to review the cybersecurity trends that will shape the coming year. Our goal is to always stay up to date with solutions and offer our clients the best protection against an increasingly complex digital environment.

To identify these trends, we first analyze the market and the real demands in terms of IT security, which continue to grow year after year thanks to companies’ constant commitment to implementing digital solutions.

According to IDC, by 2026 global investment in cybersecurity will exceed 200 billion dollars. In Spain, companies are allocating more and more resources to protecting their IT infrastructure, aware that a cyberattack can jeopardize not only information but also business continuity.

Today, cybersecurity has become a strategic and legal requirement for any organization. Failure to comply with the NIS2 Directive or other regulations can result in significant penalties and even liabilities for management.

Poorly protected networks, outdated systems, bad practices or lack of cybersecurity training among employees are still one of the main entry points for malware into many companies’ infrastructures. That is why having a solid cybersecurity strategy, training teams and investing in cutting-edge solutions are the keys to reducing the likelihood of suffering a cyberattack in 2026.

Cybersecurity in the retail sector is facing increasingly complex challenges. Physical stores, although traditional in their operations, now rely on digital systems for inventory management, electronic payments, security cameras, and point-of-sale terminals connected to the corporate network. This rise in connectivity significantly expands the attack surface, turning any vulnerability into a potential risk for business continuity and the protection of customer data. One of the most effective strategies to mitigate these risks is network microsegmentation.

The digitalization of clinical trials has transformed biomedical research, facilitating data collection and analysis as well as collaboration among multiple stakeholders. However, this interconnection has increased exposure to cyberattacks, particularly those targeting the digital supply chain. These attacks not only compromise data integrity but also put patient safety and the reputation of the institutions involved at risk.

Online shopping is one of the most common methods of purchasing today. Millions of transactions are carried out daily, which is why ensuring the integrity and security of users’ personal and financial data is so important. However, just as cybersecurity measures continue to evolve, so do cyberattacks. In this context, Magecart attacks, also known as formjacking attacks, have emerged as one of the most persistent and sophisticated threats targeting online stores and payment platforms.

En el sector retail, donde cada vez más la experiencia del cliente se basa en la integración de sistemas, aplicaciones móviles y plataformas omnicanal, las Interfaces de Programación de Aplicaciones (APIs) se han convertido en un elemento esencial. Sin embargo, esta dependencia tecnológica ha abierto la puerta a un problema de ciberseguridad: los ataques a APIs.

In the retail sector, where the customer experience increasingly relies on the integration of systems, mobile applications, and omnichannel platforms, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) have become an essential component. However, this technological dependence has opened the door to a cybersecurity issue: API attacks.

Ransomware has become one of the most serious threats to IT infrastructures worldwide in recent years. In this context, the food industry has proven to be particularly vulnerable. Traditionally focused on operational efficiency and logistics, many companies in the sector have relegated cybersecurity to a secondary concern. However, the exponential rise in attacks has forced an urgent reevaluation of digital defense strategies. The ransomware attack suffered by JBS Foods in 2021 was not only one of the most publicized, but also a paradigmatic case that exposed structural vulnerabilities in one of the world’s largest meat processing companies.

Technologies such as MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) have become essential pillars for efficiency, traceability, and regulatory compliance in the food industry. However, this level of integration also introduces a new risk front: cybersecurity.