5 Top Cybersecurity Trends to Watch in 2026

Cyber threats aren’t slowing down, and businesses that don’t keep up are putting their data and operations at serious risk.

In 2025, organizations experienced an average breach cost of $5.08 million, with ransomware incidents increasing 34% year-over-year. Hackers took advantage of outdated security systems, costing the company millions in losses and damaging its reputation. 

Situations like this highlight just how quickly cybersecurity threats are evolving. Attackers are getting more sophisticated, and companies that don’t adapt will face expensive breaches, system downtime, and compliance headaches. Staying ahead of these risks means understanding the key cybersecurity trends in 2025. 

Key Takeaways 

• AI-powered attacks are becoming more advanced and harder to detect. 

• Zero trust security is now a must, not an option. 

• Cloud security remains one of the biggest priorities for IT teams. 

• Ransomware attacks are becoming more aggressive and costly. 

• Cybersecurity regulations are tightening worldwide, with serious consequences for non-compliance. 
  

AI-Powered Cyberattacks Are on the Rise 

AI is no longer just a tool for businesses—it’s also a weapon for cybercriminals. Hackers are using artificial intelligence to automate attacks, create convincing phishing scams, and bypass traditional security defenses. 

In 2025, deepfake fraud losses exceeded $200 million in North America in Q1 alone. The Arup Engineering case demonstrated this threat when attackers used deepfake video to steal $25.5 million by impersonating multiple executives in a video call. Employees, believing they were following direct orders, transferred millions of dollars to fraudulent accounts before realizing they had been deceived. 

Phishing scams are also becoming harder to spot, with AI generating emails that look nearly identical to real ones. Meanwhile, AI-powered malware can quickly adapt to security defenses, making traditional detection methods less effective. 

82.6% of phishing emails now use AI-generated content, representing a 1,265% surge since 2023. AI spear phishing agents are now 24% more effective than elite human red teams, a complete reversal from 2023 when AI was 31% less effective.

To counter this, businesses need to embrace AI-driven security tools that detect and block threats in real time. Machine learning can spot anomalies faster than human analysts, helping organizations safeguard their most valuable assets and giving security teams a better chance of stopping attacks before they cause damage. 

Common AI-driven threats: 

• Automated phishing campaigns that mimic real conversations 

• AI-generated malware that evolves to avoid detection 

• Deepfake social engineering attacks that trick employees into handing over money or data 

Related: Enhanced Database Security 

Zero Trust Security Is the New Norm 

For years, security models relied on the idea that some users and devices could be trusted. That thinking no longer works. With insider threats, credential theft, and sophisticated attacks on the rise, companies are shifting to a zero-trust approach. According to Gartner's 2024 survey, 63% of organizations worldwide have implemented zero trust strategies, with 81% planning adoption by 2026.

Zero trust means verifying every user and device, every single time they try to access the network. It’s not just about adding multi-factor authentication—it’s a complete shift in security strategy. Companies are implementing least-privilege access, micro-segmentation, and continuous monitoring to reduce risks and limit potential damage from breaches. 

But adopting zero trust isn’t just a technical change—it requires a shift in mindset. Employees and leadership need to understand that security isn’t just IT’s job; it’s everyone’s responsibility. 

Key zero trust security practices: 

• Granting only the minimum access users need to do their jobs 

• Breaking up networks into smaller segments to limit exposure 

• Continuously monitoring activity for suspicious behavior 

Cloud Security Takes Center Stage 

More businesses are moving their data and applications to the cloud, which is great for flexibility—but it also creates new security risks. Misconfigured settings, weak access controls, and poor monitoring leave companies vulnerable to attacks. Recent data shows 83% of companies experienced at least one cloud security breach within 18 months, with 45% of all data breaches now originating from cloud environments.

Hackers are increasingly targeting cloud environments, knowing that a single misstep in configuration can expose vast amounts of sensitive information. That’s why many companies are turning to private cloud solutions that offer better control and stronger security protections. 

Regardless of whether a business uses public or private cloud services, IT teams need to prioritize security. Regular audits, strong identity management, and real-time threat monitoring are essential to keeping cloud environments safe. 

Best practices for cloud security: 

• Running frequent security audits to catch misconfigurations 

• Enforcing strict identity and access management policies 

• Using real-time monitoring to detect suspicious activity 

Ransomware Attacks Keep Growing 

From January through September 2025, there were 4,701 confirmed ransomware incidents, a 34% increase over 2024. However, payment rates dropped to historic lows of 23-30%, down from 85% in 2019. Total ransomware payments reached $813.55 million in 2024, a 35% decrease from 2023's record $1.25 billion.

One of the most high-profile cases was the Colonial Pipeline attack in 2021, which forced the company to shut down operations and caused widespread fuel shortages. The hackers demanded millions in ransom, demonstrating just how disruptive these attacks can be. 

To protect against ransomware, companies need more than just backups. Getting the most out of your investment in security means implementing employee training, strong endpoint protection, and well-tested response plans to minimize damage when an attack happens. Cyber insurance is also becoming a key safeguard for financial protection. 

Preventing ransomware: 

• Backing up critical data regularly and keeping copies offline 

• Training employees to recognize phishing and social engineering tactics 
• Using advanced endpoint protection to block ransomware before it spreads 

Cybersecurity Regulations Are Tightening 

The SEC's 2023 disclosure rules now require publicly traded companies to report significant breaches within four days. In October 2024, the SEC charged four companies for misleading SolarWinds-related disclosures, with penalties ranging from $990,000 to $4 million. However, in November 2025, the SEC voluntarily dismissed its case against SolarWinds and its CISO, signaling a potential shift in enforcement approach.

Companies that fail to meet compliance requirements now face hefty fines, legal consequences, and reputational damage. With cyber threats to watch in 2025 becoming more sophisticated, some regulations even hold executives personally responsible for breaches, making cybersecurity a top priority for leadership teams. 

Staying informed on cybersecurity priorities is critical. New regulations taking effect in 2025-2026 include CIRCIA (final rulemaking expected May 2026, covering ~300,000 entities), DORA for the financial sector (effective January 17, 2025), and updated NIS2 Directive requirements across EU member states. Businesses that proactively invest in security and compliance will be better positioned to avoid penalties. 

Key regulations to watch: 

• Updates to GDPR and CCPA 

• Stricter industry-specific compliance rules 

• Increased requirements for breach reporting 

Preparing for the Future 

Organizations using extensive AI security tools saved an average of $1.9 million per breach in 2025, according to IBM's Cost of Data Breach Report. Companies implementing zero trust saw up to 31% reduction in insured cyber losses annually.

The lesson? Investing in security today prevents major problems tomorrow. Whether it’s AI-driven defenses, cloud security improvements, or stronger access controls, companies that take proactive steps now will be in a much stronger position going forward. 

For expert guidance on protecting your business, Concourse offers advanced cybersecurity solutions tailored to evolving threats. Contact Concourse to secure your data today. 

Read more about Concourse's layered approach to cybersecurity utilizing best-in-class tools.