Digital transformation in laboratories has brought with it a growing dependence on computerized control systems, analytical software, LIMS platforms, scientific IoT infrastructure, and next-generation connected instruments. However, despite this progress, it is still common to find critical equipment operating with obsolete operating systems, outdated firmware, or applications that stopped receiving manufacturer support years ago.

Companies in the transportation and logistics sector (including fleet operators, warehousing, distribution, cargo valuation, route management, and more) are increasingly exposed to threats and cyberattacks that can paralyze operations, cause substantial financial losses, and damage corporate reputation.

Digitalization has transformed logistics into a system of constant interdependence, where operational efficiency is intrinsically linked to data security. With the increasing risks of disruption from threats such as ransomware and supply chain manipulation, cybersecurity can no longer be just an add-on, it must be a strategic pillar.

In the biotechnology industry, protecting critical scientific data and information is essential not only to safeguard intellectual property, but also to preserve the integrity of research with high strategic value. Laboratories, biotech startups, and large corporations are continuously exposed to espionage attempts, often originating from state actors or groups specialized in industrial cybercrime. In this context, scientific honeypots have become a key tool for early threat detection.

Logistics no longer moves only through roads, ports, or warehouses — it also flows through networks, systems, and data.

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.