In a recent survey conducted by Veeam Software nearly 60% of respondents indicated that they face reduced visibility regarding their data, primarily due to the proliferation of multi-cloud and SaaS environments.
AI-generated attacks have emerged as the most significant threat to data security, with 66% ranking them higher than traditional ransomware attacks, which garnered 50% of that recognition. This shift illustrates a transformative landscape where AI is no longer a mere productivity tool but rather a weapon wielded by cybercriminals.
“IT and business leaders are entering 2026 with unprecedented complexity,” commented Anand Eswaran, CEO of Veeam. His assessment reflects the necessity for organisations to prioritise not only cybersecurity but also compliance in a rapidly evolving digital environment.
The report revealed that almost half (49%) of IT leaders identified security concerns as their primary disruptor for the upcoming year, while 22% cited the maturity and regulation of AI as a close second. Furthermore, significant concerns over talent shortages (10%) and cloud complexity (8%) were noted as additional disruptors.
Despite substantial investments in cybersecurity, confidence in data recovery remains critically low; only 29% of respondents expressed strong confidence in their ability to recover from a zero-day exploit.
Many respondents also reported feeling unprepared for cyberattacks (29%) and potential missteps in AI automation (27%). The survey exposed a stark reality: effective monitoring of data locations is lacking, with 44% acknowledging that their visibility had somewhat declined due to expanding IT environments, and 16% stating it had significantly worsened.
Leaders are now advocating for a more accountable approach across the board. A notable 72% support a ban on ransomware payments, demonstrating a collective frustration with the payouts that fuel cybercrime. Furthermore, 88% of respondents believe it is crucial for partners and suppliers to meet stringent cybersecurity and data protection standards to bolster overall resilience.
As threats evolve, prioritising resilience will be essential for sustaining operations and maintaining trust in 2026.
