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January 14, 2026
As we kick off the new year, one thing is clear: the cyber threat landscape is evolving faster than ever before. What worked to protect your business last year likely won’t be enough this year – and attackers are already planning their next move.
Without a clear view of today’s threat landscape, businesses are left reacting to incidents instead of preventing them, often at a far higher cost. Here’s what security experts are predicting – and what your business must prioritize in 2026 to stay ahead of risk
Artificial intelligence is reshaping cybersecurity on both sides of the battlefield. Security experts predict adversaries will fully embrace AI to scale attacks and streamline operations, making AI-augmented attacks the norm rather than exception in 2026 (Google Cloud Security).
In 2026, attackers are increasingly using AI to:
Analysts warn that legacy email filtering and perimeter defenses alone can no longer keep up. Defending against AI-powered attacks requires smarter, continuously monitored security tools that evolve just as quickly.
The traditional network perimeter is fading. Today, identity – user credentials, access privileges, and authentication – is the primary target.
Phishing, credential theft, and AI-enhanced impersonation attacks continue to bypass basic MFA and weak access controls. Identity based attacks now account for roughly 30% of all intrusions, with nearly one in three attacks using valid accounts (IBM). As a result, many security leaders now consider identity protection the front line of modern cybersecurity.
Ransomware remains one of the most damaging threats to businesses of all sizes. In 2026, attacks are expected to become even more targeted, automated, and destructive – particularly for organizations with limited security resources.
What's changed? Many attackers now steal data before encrypting it, threatening public exposure in addition to downtime unless ransom is paid. This "double extortion" model software create openings attackers are quick to exploit.
Cloud environments offer flexibility, but misconfigurations remain one of the leading causes of data breaches. Excess permissions, unsecured APIs, and vulnerable third-party software create openings attackers are quick to exploit.
Supply chain attacks are also increasing, with cybercriminals targeting trusted vendors to gain access to multiple organizations through a single breach.
Despite advances in technology, most cyber incidents still begin with human error, not technical flaws. Recent reports show that human factors, including phishing, social engineering, and credential misuse, were involved in roughly 60% of confirmed breaches in 2025 (Verizon Data Breach Investigation Report). This highlights how attackers continue to rely heavily on manipulating people, and with increased AI usage, these attacks are becoming faster and more convincing.
Ongoing employee training is one of the most effective ways to reduce this risk. Yet many organizations still treat awareness programs as a once-a-year exercise, rather than embedding continuous education and testing into their security culture.
Cybersecurity can no longer be “set it and forget it.” Threats are constant, adaptive, and increasingly automated — and reactive defenses leave businesses exposed.
A proactive, continuously managed security approach is now essential.
At Lightspeed Solutions, we help businesses shift from reactive security to strategic protection through:
If you’ve made New Year’s resolutions around growth, innovation, or digital transformation – make sure security is at the top of the list. Cyber threats in 2026 will not wait for businesses to catch up. Ready to make security a strategic advantage this year? Connect with Lightspeed Solutions today.
