2026-01-02

Sophie Naezer

Cybersecurity is currently changing rapidly. Whereas online attacks used to be minimal, we now see a new reality emerging with criminal AI. These are autonomous AI agents that independently explore systems and exploit vulnerabilities. A smart and fast method for a large-scale cyberattack.

The key cybersecurity trends for 2026

The most defining development for the new year is the rise of criminal AI. For organizations, this means that classic security is no longer sufficient. The defense must now become at least as intelligent and fast.

In addition to this development, there are more trends to be seen:

• Attacks on supply chains: Global logistics, smart transport systems, and high-tech supply chains are increasingly becoming targets of cyberattacks, potentially resulting in major disruptions.
• Data poisoning: The data on which AI systems are built is being imperceptibly polluted to influence decisions. This makes AI not only vulnerable but also unreliable.
• Next-gen ransomware: Ransomware is becoming smarter and more autonomous. Systems identify victims themselves and sometimes even take over contact with victims.
• Harvest now, decrypt later: Data is stolen in this way to be decrypted later using more powerful technology. The focus here shifts increasingly towards data collection.
• Personalized cyber services on the dark web: Intrusion packages and stolen login credentials are increasingly offered 'made-to-measure' on the dark web, tailored to specific sectors, regions, and systems.

These developments make it clear that cybersecurity in 2026 will not only be more complex but also structurally different. Those who want to be prepared must therefore look at different security measures now.

From reacting to anticipating

The conclusion from these trends is clear: defense must become just as fast and smart as the attack. That does not call for manual checks afterward, but for smart detection, automation, and predictive insights that recognize threats before they cause damage.

At Tible, we consciously align with this. Security is not a separate step for us, but an integral part of how we design, test, and manage systems. We always start with a clear understanding of the situation. Subsequently, we detect vulnerabilities with smart tools and conduct realistic pentests where necessary. In this way, we make risks concrete and translate them into measures that organizations can move forward with immediately.