Drawing on insights from senior executives, cybersecurity leaders and civil‑society representatives, the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026 portrays a world in which artificial intelligence, geopolitical volatility and expanding technological exposure are making cyber risks more pervasive and strategically driven than ever.
Eighty‑seven percent of respondents identify AI‑related vulnerabilities as the fastest‑rising threat. Concerns are also growing around dependence on critical suppliers and the fragility of complex digital infrastructures. New domains of risk are emerging – Including autonomous systems, robotics, critical infrastructure and advances in quantum technologies. The geopolitical environment is now the primary source of concern for 64% of organizations.
Beyond technology and supply chains, the sector faces two systemic challenges: a severe shortage of cybersecurity talent and fragmented defensive postures, particularly among large enterprises. The report concludes that the crucial challenge for 2026 will be not only technological but strategic: building a culture of collective resilience, enabling targeted investment, and strengthening public‑private cooperation.
Author: World Economic Forum
Publisher: World Economic Forum
Publication date: January 2026