Cybersecurity trends 2026

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Poorly protected networks, outdated systems, bad practices or lack of cybersecurity training among employees are still one of the main entry points for malware into many companies’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 trends 2026

From cloud to edge: new challenges in distributed security

In 2025, many companies focused on strengthening cloud security. But in 2026 the challenge goes one step further: it’s no longer just about working in the cloud, but about managing increasingly hybrid and distributed environments, where on-premises servers, public and private clouds, and now also edge computing coexist.

Edge computing consists of processing data closer to the user or the device that generates it, instead of always sending it to a data center or the cloud. This improves speed and reduces latency, but also multiplies the entry points for potential cyberattacks. The trend in 2026 will be to apply zero trust models at all layers, users, devices, applications and connections, ensuring that each access is continuously validated and that data is protected, no matter where it is processed.

Zero Trust: from trend to obligation

In 2026, the Zero Trust security model will cease to be just a trend and will become a basic requirement. Companies must apply it at all levels ⇒ users, devices, applications and connections to ensure that each access is continuously validated and that data is protected no matter where it is processed.

Post-Quantum cryptography

The arrival of quantum computing presents a new challenge: current encryption algorithms could become obsolete in the future. Although we are still in an early stage, in 2026 many companies will begin preparing by adopting post-quantum protocols to ensure the security of their data in the long term. This new cryptography is based on algorithms designed to withstand the enormous computing power of quantum computers, which could break traditional encryption systems in seconds. Its goal is to ensure that sensitive information, especially that which must be protected for years, remains inaccessible even to the most advanced technologies.

Identity protection as a priority

Digital identity is becoming one of the most valuable assets. Protecting credentials, strengthening authentication and controlling privileged access will be key aspects to prevent breaches. In 2026, identity management and protection will become a central pillar in cybersecurity strategies.

Generative Artificial Intelligence: risks and opportunities

Generative AI has become one of the most disruptive technologies of the moment and is also transforming cybersecurity. On the one hand, it offers enormous advantages: it allows automating threat detection, analyzing large volumes of data in real time and responding faster to incidents.

However, this same technology is also in the hands of cybercriminals, who use it to launch more sophisticated attacks, such as phishing campaigns with perfect texts or voice and video deepfakes indistinguishable from the originals.

In 2026, the key will not only be to leverage its defensive potential, but also to prepare for its risks by adopting controls, policies and tools to mitigate malicious uses of generative AI.

The rise of cyber insurance

Cyber insurance will consolidate as a key tool for managing risks. However, insurers will demand stricter security measures from companies before granting coverage. This will drive the professionalization of risk management and the strengthening of internal security policies.

Training against deepfakes and advanced fraud

Awareness will remain essential, but in 2026 training will need to go beyond classic phishing. Companies will have to prepare their teams to recognize impersonation attempts through deepfakes, more sophisticated CEO fraud and AI-based social engineering attacks. A trained workforce is the first line of defense against these threats.

Cyberattack simulations increasingly necessary

In 2026, attack simulations will continue to be one of the most effective practices to prevent incidents. Conducting these controlled exercises allows vulnerabilities to be discovered and teams to be prepared for a real attack. At ESED, we know this will be a growing trend and a key tool to strengthen any company’s security.

Security in industrial IoT environments

The expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) in factories, hospitals or smart cities is multiplying connected devices and, with them, vulnerabilities. In 2026 we will see greater efforts to segment networks, monitor sensors and implement specific cybersecurity measures in these critical environments. Protecting industrial IoT will no longer be optional and will become a mandatory requirement to ensure process continuity. 

The rise and sophistication of ransomware

Ransomware will remain one of the main threats in 2026, with more advanced variants and increasingly targeted attacks. They no longer just encrypt data; they also steal it to extort with leaks (double or triple extortion). To mitigate it, companies must strengthen their response plans, segment networks, maintain updated backups and conduct ransomware-specific simulations.

2026 will be a key year to strengthen digital defenses. Digitalization, edge computing, quantum computing, the rise of ransomware, and generative AI make cybersecurity a strategic factor.

At ESED, we know that anticipation is key. Investing in solid strategies, continuous training and simulations will reduce risks, ensure compliance with regulations such as the NIS2 Directive and enable growth with confidence. Daily employee training will be essential to stop increasingly sophisticated attacks.