Top Cyber Threats To Expect in 2026: Predictions, Trends, and New Developments
As the year comes to an end and we look ahead to 2026, the cybersecurity landscape is undergoing drastic changes. From emerging technologies to changing threat actors, more companies are feeling heightened pressure to keep their businesses safe.
With the increased use of AI and systems being more connected than ever before, new types of attacks are on the rise. Unfortunately, businesses should not be asking whether a cybersecurity event will occur, but rather when it will and how prepared they are.
Continue reading to learn more about the top cyber threats to expect in 2026, and how your business can properly prepare itself.
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Cybersecurity 2026: What Can You Expect and How Can You Prepare?
As we look ahead to 2026, the cybersecurity landscape is set to undergo rapid, high-stakes changes. From increasingly powerful and organized cybercriminal operations to AI-driven threats and expanding attack surfaces, organizations will face new levels of complexity and risk. Understanding what is coming next will be the first step in preparing your defenses.
Corporate Cybercrime
Cyber attacks are growing, and the group conducting attacks has expanded from a gang of a few criminals to business-like units. In the new year, we can expect cybercriminals to be well-organized, service-oriented, and spread across the world. Ransomware and extortion, for example, can grow into entire ecosystems that include affiliate models, subscription-based services, and encrypted laundering. Large cohorts of cybercriminals will work together to expose and extort data, turning it into a black-market business.
How can you prepare?
Change the way you think about threat actors; rather than viewing them as secret hackers, view them as business competitors. Learn how to predict their service offerings and stay ahead of their next move. Include business continuity and brand reputation protection as a pillar of your incident response strategy. Additionally, incorporate extensive employee awareness training to help them recognize when an attack occurs and how to respond.
Agentic AI Attacks
Agentic AI is an autonomous system that can operate independently to achieve given goals. It can not only create a plan but also take steps to execute it with minimal human oversight. It coordinates with other systems to adapt and reach business goals. Unfortunately, hackers also have access to agentic AI, making it the new attack-and-defense frontier of 2026.
AI will no longer be viewed simply as a helpful tool; instead, it will become its own combat zone. While cybercriminals use AI to explore, adapt, and exploit, defenders will use it to monitor, detect, and contain threats. With AI automation, attackers can steal data faster than ever before, making it difficult for human-run operations to respond in time.
How can you prepare?
Companies need to transition their use of AI from everyday enhancements to incorporating it into their system architecture. Implement guardrails, provenance, and accountability measures into every agentic system. Test your AI infrastructure to ensure it can not only identify anomalies but also take appropriate action.
Quantum Computing
Although quantum computing has been a significant threat over the years, we may see a defining point in 2026. Post-quantum cryptography will become increasingly important as hackers steal private information but do not decode it until later. The real risk lies in older encryption methods like RSA and ECC. Companies that have not kept track of their crypto footprint will be at greater risk, and eventually, regulators, insurers, and enemy states will force businesses to adopt quantum-resistant standards.
How can you prepare?
For the new year, perform an inventory of your crypto assets to identify where high-value keys, systems, and protocols are still dependent on weak schemes. Begin using post-quantum algorithms and hybrid crypto solutions, and ensure the safety of key deletion and archival processes for optimal security.
Synthetic Identity Deception
Hackers will use believable fake audio, video, and identity constructions as weapons. These new methods have become extremely difficult for standard detection methods to distinguish between what is real and what is not. More and more fake audio and video conversations will take place between executives or service providers.
Even biometric and identity verification systems can be tricked by manufactured identities or copied biometrics. Organizations will have to rely on human verification as identity verification becomes more vulnerable.
How can you prepare?
Use ongoing identity authentication rather than one-time checks. Additionally, add anomaly detection to speech and video authentication systems to better identify anomalies in vocal behavior. Companies should prioritize employee training on synthetic realism to ensure they can distinguish which messages are real and which need follow-up.
An Increasingly Broad Attack Surface
As devices become more connected, there will be more endpoints for attackers to exploit. Rather than attacking the primary data center, they will infiltrate through the weakest embedded device. There is a heightened need to adequately protect networks and infrastructure, especially for devices that cannot easily update their firmware or come with weak default passwords will be easy targets. Botnets, DDoS attacks, and supply chain penetration activities will increasingly leverage distributed device fleets.
How can you prepare?
Conduct thorough device lifecycle management, including provisioning, patching, and decommissioning, as a top priority. Operate with zero trust at the device and access levels, meaning you should assume every device may already be compromised.
The threat landscape of 2026 will require stronger strategies, faster response times, and a deeper awareness of how attackers evolve. By treating security as an ongoing, organization-wide priority, and by adopting proactive tools, implementing training, and establishing frameworks, you can remain resilient in the face of new threats.
Explore Co-Managed IT Services
As an extension of your IT team, our IT experts can help reduce workload, prepare systems, and ensure every employee knows what to expect in the case of an IT incident. Explore our Co-Managed IT Services today.
Access Advanced Cybersecurity Resources With Applied Tech
For companies to thrive in 2026, they should view IT and cybersecurity as a strategic pillar of their business. These emerging threats require coordination at the business level, so engage board members and ensure employees are well-trained to prevent and respond to attacks. Rather than expecting your business to avoid all attacks, shift the goal of everyone involved to manage risks and enable business continuity.
At Applied Tech, we understand how intimidating new and unknown threats can be for a business. With our co-managed IT services, we can work together to prepare your systems, create clear operational plans, and build unique incident response strategies to ensure your business can always recover quickly. Let’s start the new year off strong. Contact us today to get started.
About Applied Tech
Applied Tech is a leading IT and cybersecurity services provider dedicated to helping businesses protect their digital assets. Our proactive and strategic services include cloud management, security, productivity, and IT growth strategy. With a team of experienced professionals, we provide unique solutions tailored to your IT needs.
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