Cybersecurity in 2026 is defined by trust, scale, and dependency. Organisations operate across identity-driven access, distributed edges, machine identities, and complex supply chains, while facing tighter regulatory pressure and persistent human risk. Attacks increasingly target trust relationships rather than individual systems, shifting the focus towards governance, operational discipline, and sustained control across the environment.
1. Digital sovereignty
Control over digital trust is becoming strategic. Certificates, keys, signing processes, and encryption policies define who and what can be trusted across digital ecosystems. Public-Key Infrastructure (PKI) sits at the centre of this, yet ownership and governance are often fragmented across teams or suppliers. In 2026, organisations increasingly recognise that losing control over trust anchors directly affects autonomy, resilience, and regulatory posture.
2. Quantum security and post-quantum readiness
Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is no longer a distant concern. While full migration may still be years away, preparation cannot wait. Organisations need visibility into cryptographic usage, data sensitivity, and supplier dependencies. In 2026, PQC is best approached as a managed transition, using crypto inventories, impact analysis, and hybrid approaches to avoid rushed and disruptive changes later.
3. Convergence of SSE and identity security
Access is becoming identity-first and policy-driven. The boundary between network security and identity security continues to fade as SSE and IAM increasingly overlap. Organisations that design these domains as a single control plane reduce blind spots and operational complexity. In 2026, success depends on consistent policy enforcement, clear ownership, and strong integration between access, identity, and monitoring.
4. Machine identities, XoT and OT security
Machine identities now outnumber human identities across most environments. Devices, workloads, sensors, and industrial systems introduce trust relationships that are often poorly governed. XoT and OT security involve long lifecycles, limited patching options, safety constraints, and operational dependencies that differ from traditional IT. In 2026, organisations must treat machine identity, segmentation, controlled remote access, and continuous monitoring as core controls across both IT and OT environments.
5. Scalable security operations and detection effectiveness
More telemetry does not automatically result in better security. The challenge lies in translating data into detection, response, and measurable improvement. XDR and NDR provide broader visibility, but only deliver value when combined with use-case engineering, clear response processes, and exposure-driven prioritisation. In 2026, effectiveness is measured by speed, consistency, and outcomes rather than alert volume.
6. AI in cybersecurity
AI influences both attack techniques and defensive operations. It supports faster phishing campaigns and social engineering, while also improving analysis and triage on the defensive side. In 2026, the main challenge is governance. Organisations must define where AI is appropriate, how data is protected, and how decisions remain transparent rather than turning security operations into black boxes.
7. Supply chain risk and operational resilience
The supply chain remains a significant source of risk. Dependencies on software vendors, service providers, and third parties extend the attack surface beyond organisational boundaries. Regulations such as NIS2 and DORA increase expectations around risk management, resilience, and accountability. Zero Trust principles help, but only when translated into concrete controls and operational processes.
8. Compliance as a continuous discipline
Cybersecurity compliance is increasingly tied to governance and accountability. Meeting frameworks such as NIS2, DORA, and sector-specific mandates is no longer a periodic exercise. In 2026, organisations must demonstrate that controls work in practice, supported by monitoring, testing, and clear ownership across security, risk, and operational teams.
9. Social engineering as a systemic risk
Phishing, vishing, and other social engineering techniques continue to bypass technical controls by exploiting human trust. Attacks are more targeted, persistent, and aligned with business processes. In 2026, organisations must treat social engineering as a systemic risk. Awareness programmes, realistic simulations, and behavioural insights are needed to reinforce technical controls rather than replace them.
10. Talent shortage and operational continuity
Skills shortages remain a structural challenge. Security teams face growing complexity while struggling to retain expertise and maintain continuity. In 2026, organisations focus on sustainability by simplifying architectures, using managed services where appropriate, and embedding knowledge in processes rather than individuals. Operational continuity becomes as important as innovation.
Managing trust in complex environments
Cybersecurity in 2026 is shaped by accumulated complexity rather than isolated threats. More identities, machines, access paths, and dependencies increase the need for clarity around trust, visibility, and response. Many organisations already have strong controls in place, but struggle to align them into a coherent operating model that scales over time.
The focus is shifting from adding tools to improving how existing capabilities work together. Understanding where trust is granted, how exposure translates into real risk, and how quickly access can be restricted when conditions change becomes decisive. Nomios cybersecurity experts support organisations in translating these trends into practical architectures, services, and operational improvements, helping align security strategy with day-to-day reality.
Next steps
1. Reassess trust and access across users, machines, and partners
Review how identity, privilege, and cryptographic trust are managed across your environment, and where implicit trust may still exist across IT, OT, and third-party access.
2. Prioritise detection and exposure based on realistic attack paths
Align XDR, NDR, MDR, and exposure management efforts with business impact rather than technical severity alone.
3. Address human risk alongside technical controls
Strengthen resilience against social engineering through targeted awareness, simulations, and clear response processes that support day-to-day operations.
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