As the cybersecurity landscape evolves, BeyondTrust has unveiled its top predictions for 2026 and beyond, highlighting trends that will redefine identity protection, data security, and organisational resilience in the face of emerging threats.
“Cybersecurity has always been a forward-looking discipline,” says Morey J. Haber, BeyondTrust chief security advisor. “By anticipating where technology, threat actors, and regulation are heading, we can better protect our customers and help the industry prepare for what’s next.”
This forward-thinking approach is crucial as organisations navigate a rapidly changing threat environment.
A significant trend identified in the report is the rise of agentic AI as a primary attack vector. As nearly every connected device integrates this technology, the attack surface will expand dramatically. Rushed deployments without adequate oversight will lead to vulnerabilities and a surge in AI-driven breaches.
Additionally, the emergence of “AI Veganism” signifies a growing movement of individuals and organisations opting out of AI technologies due to concerns over privacy and ethics. This trend will compel companies to enhance transparency and provide opt-out options in their AI-driven products.
The report also highlights the potential impact of digital tariffs on data sovereignty, as governments may impose taxes or restrictions on cross-border digital services, reshaping regional innovation and global data flows.
As traditional VPNs enter their end-of-life phase, organisations will increasingly adopt identity-based remote access solutions. This shift reflects a broader trend where legacy technologies are viewed as liabilities rather than enablers.
Moreover, the rise of the nomadic workforce presents unique challenges around identity and compliance. As digital nomads operate across various geographies, organisations will need to enhance identity visibility to secure this mobile workforce effectively.
Haber concludes, “The future of cybersecurity isn’t just about defending data; it’s about anticipating how digital and physical worlds will continue to collide. The organisations that will thrive are those that treat identity as the new perimeter and innovation as their strongest defence.”
