Cybersecurity trends and threat predictions for 2025 and 2026 are shaping how businesses prepare for evolving digital risks. In 2025, AI-driven threats and Zero Trust adoption dominated the cybersecurity landscape, while 2026 is expected to bring more phishing-resistant MFA, proactive incident response planning, and deeper collaboration across sectors. Let's dig in.
Featured in this article:
- Looking Back at 5 Major Trends from 2025
- Looking Forward at What to Expect in 2026
- Resource: Centre Events to Provide You The Relevant Knowledge You Need
Cyber Trends From 2025
Main Takeaway
AI is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape, introducing both new threats and innovative defenses.
- CISA published resources outlining critical infrastructure threats, all of which are available to the public. Check them out here.
- Attackers exploited unpatched legacy devices and MFA misconfigurations. Keep your systems up to date an set up monitoring systems for faked MFA credentials.
- Small businesses faced ransomware, business email compromise, and DDoS attacks. AI tools enabled adversaries to increase attack frequency and complexity.
- AI-generated threats created a new toolkit for threat actors. Deepfake audio allowed attackers to impersonate executives and bypass verification controls.
- Threat actors used “living off the land” tactics by leveraging native system tools. This is particularly alarming for legacy system users. Legacy systems integrated with modern IT, creating new vulnerabilities.
- Cloud migration of control systems introduced lateral movement risks.
- Future cyber warfare may target local services like healthcare, gas stations, and suppliers, impacting regional economies.
pREDICTIONS FOR THE 2026 tHREAT lANDSCAPE
Main Takeaway
Phishing-resistant MFA, proactive incident response planning, and collaboration with cybersecurity experts will be essential for building resilience against increasingly sophisticated threats in 2026.
- CISA recommends businesses implement phishing-resistant MFA to protect critical systems.
- Text-based and app-based MFA methods offer security but remain vulnerable to compromise. Organizations should adopt MFA using three identity factors: something you know, have, and are. Microsoft Hello, YubiKeys, and smart ID cards can enhance authentication and reduce risk.
- Businesses should conduct tabletop exercises to test incident response plans under various conditions. Tabletop exercises should simulate key employee absences to evaluate resilience without those people.
- Companies must establish Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for forensic data access to set realistic expectations during breaches.
- Security teams should monitor third-party software and data feeds to ensure timely patching. CISA encourages organizations to engage external advisors to enhance cybersecurity programs.
- Businesses should test capabilities to identify shortfalls and engage experts accordingly.
- NIST AI Risk Management Framework helps govern AI adoption and measure risk. Companies should use frameworks to guide governance and build strategic roadmaps. CISA and NIST offer free federally funded tools like cyber hygiene scans and ransomware readiness templates/checklists.
- Regional cybersecurity advisers can provide tailored guidance and host workshops.
Next Steps
As we reflect on the cybersecurity developments of 2025 and prepare for the challenges of 2026, it’s clear that staying ahead requires both strategic foresight and tactical readiness. Centre Technologies continues to lead the way by offering thought leadership and hosting events that address the most pressing cybersecurity topics. By engaging with experts and fostering collaboration, Centre empowers businesses to build resilient infrastructures and navigate the evolving threat landscape with confidence.
Want to learn more about current and future cybersecurity topics? Check out our Cybersecurity Workshop videos below. Or head over to our YouTube page to learn more!
Emily Kirk
