Looking into the cyber future of 2026, "intelligent AI" and "quantum computing" are shaking up the security world, forcing organizations to respond quickly.
In an era when AI is no longer just a tool but begins to think and act independently, the business world faces a new wave of challenges arising simultaneously, including geopolitical conflicts, rapidly changing laws, and increasingly severe cyber threats.
Gartner, a leading global research and advisory company, has released crucial insights serving as a compass for 2026. Alex Michaels, Gartner's Director of Analysis, stated that organizational leaders are confronting unprecedented situations, with pressures compelling a complete rethink of cybersecurity approaches.
1. Agentic AI: When AI can operate autonomously, it needs a "guardian" to supervise.
Forget about AI that only answers questions—this era belongs to Agentic AI, which can make decisions and work independently, spreading widely through no-code platforms accessible to anyone.
There is a risk that employees might create "AI Agents" to assist with tasks without IT's knowledge (Shadow AI), leading to uncontrolled data leaks.
Therefore, organizations must track which AI systems are active and have dedicated "Incident Response Playbooks" for AI, rather than letting AI operate freely until recovery becomes impossible.
2. Volatile global regulations mean "executives" may be held directly accountable.
The era of simply paying fines after a hack is over, as cyber laws worldwide become stricter. Failure to comply may result in severe penalties aimed directly at boards and executives, including hefty fines and damaged reputations.
Cybersecurity teams must stop working in isolation and instead collaborate with legal and business units to adapt frameworks flexibly and keep pace with constantly evolving international standards.
3. Better to prepare now for the "post-quantum" era than regret later.
Although fully functional quantum computers may arrive around 2030, hackers are not waiting. They are stealing data now to decrypt later, meaning data taken today could be exposed years from now when the technology is ready.
Organizations should not wait until 2030 but start investing today in post-quantum cryptography to timely transition their security algorithms.
4. IAM must be upgraded as the "new employees" are AI.
Traditional Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems were designed for humans, but now AI Agents are part of the system. Without clear permissions, these agents might access sensitive data without authorization.
A targeted, risk-based approach is needed, treating machines as requiring identity verification like people to close security gaps.
5. AI in SOC centers is a double-edged sword requiring "human" oversight.
Security Operations Centers (SOC) increasingly use AI to filter alerts and investigate threats. While beneficial, AI adds complexity, requiring teams to upgrade skills and increase budgets.
Despite the technology's importance, humans remain crucial. Gartner recommends a Human-In-The-Loop approach, involving humans in AI decision-making processes to ensure flexible and accurate threat responses.
6. Generative AI changes the game; traditional training methods no longer suffice.
Memorization-based security training is ineffective in the GenAI era. Surveys show over 57% of employees use personal AI at work, and 33% admit entering confidential company data. Adaptive behavioral training focusing on real scenarios is needed to teach employees safe AI use, clarifying what data can and cannot be shared to protect intellectual property.
The year 2026 is not just about fighting hackers but about organizational adaptability. Modern leaders must view AI and technology not merely as conveniences but as risks requiring smart management before advanced tech turns against their own businesses.