Excerpt from Forbes Article by Bernard Marr, Published on September 25, 2025
In 2025, cyberattacks have grown in frequency and scale, and experts warn 2026 will see no respite. The rise of agentic AI and quantum computing opens new fronts on the cyber security battlefield for attackers and defenders alike. If cybercrime were a country, it would rank as the world’s third-largest economy by 2026, with costs to businesses hitting $20 trillion.
The top cyber security trends driving this surge include agentic AI, autonomous programs capable of launching intricate attacks while helping defenders respond. Deepfake technology has become a powerful weapon, fooling employees into unauthorized financial transfers by mimicking trusted voices. Ransomware attacks are growing more sophisticated, aided by ransomware-as-a-service and anonymous cryptocurrencies that facilitate laundering ill-gotten gains.
Human vulnerability remains the weakest link. Organizations are increasing employee training and simulated social engineering to build stronger security cultures. Quantum computing threatens to break existing encryption, pushing the urgent need for quantum-safe solutions. Meanwhile, regulatory overhauls like the US SEC’s cyber disclosure rules and the EU’s NIS2 directive are pressuring companies to improve resilience and transparency.
Cyber warfare is escalating globally, with state-sponsored attacks targeting infrastructure, sowing disruption and disinformation. Cyber security has evolved into a national security priority, prompting heightened government spending and global alliances to fight the growing threat.
The key takeaway: organizations must act now to invest in advanced AI-driven defenses, quantum-resistant encryption, and human training. Proactive preparation will be critical to weathering the cyber security challenges of 2026 and beyond.
To delve deeper into this topic, view the Forbes article.
