Table of contents
- RSA Conference 2025: a look into the future of security
- Cybertech Europe 2025: AI and global cyber threats
- Industry reports: growing pressure on critical infrastructure
- Market consolidation and acquisitions
- Attacks and new criminal tactics
- Emerging trends and predictions for 2026
- Cyber security events to watch in 2026
RSA Conference 2025: a look into the future of security
RSA Conference 2025, one of the most influential global events in the cyber security landscape, provided a clear snapshot of how threats and defensive technologies are evolving. Held in San Francisco in spring, the conference highlighted the growing importance of international cooperation and the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI)–driven approaches to manage the ever-increasing volume of cyberattacks and vulnerabilities.
Key topics included advanced security data analytics and automated defense systems, outlining the direction cyber security innovation will take in 2026.
Cybertech Europe 2025: AI and global cyber threats
At the European level, Cybertech Europe 2025 confirmed the rapid escalation of cyber threats linked to emerging technologies. Sessions explored how AI is reshaping both defensive and offensive cyber capabilities, while ransomware continues to evolve into more evasive and sophisticated forms. Discussions also focused on regulatory pressure and strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening national and corporate cyber resilience.
Industry reports: growing pressure on critical infrastructure
According to the Security Bulletin 2025, the year was marked by sustained pressure on critical infrastructure, with a rise in targeted attacks and malicious activity, particularly in industrial environments and global logistics. Organized cybercrime groups and advanced threat actors intensified their efforts to infiltrate corporate systems using increasingly complex and automated techniques.
Market consolidation and acquisitions
One of the most significant events toward the end of 2025 was the confirmation of ServiceNow’s acquisition of cyber security company Armis for $7.75 billion. This deal highlights the growing importance of integrated security solutions, especially in ecosystems shaped by the convergence of AI, cloud computing and connected devices.
Attacks and new criminal tactics
Among the most discussed threats of 2025 were QR code–based phishing attacks, which exploited the widespread adoption of QR technology in everyday contexts, and AI impersonation fraud. In these cases, generative AI models were used to create highly convincing messages and voice simulations designed to deceive victims.
Emerging trends and predictions for 2026
1. AI-driven attacks: automation and sophistication
2026 is expected to be a turning point for AI-driven cyberattacks. AI will no longer merely assist attackers but will act as autonomous agents capable of executing entire attack campaigns independently. By leveraging massive data sets and advanced automation, these systems will identify vulnerabilities and orchestrate large-scale attacks with minimal human intervention.
This shift marks a critical change in the cyber threat landscape: AI becomes not just a tool to enhance attack efficiency, but a true digital operator capable of adapting and learning in real time.
2. Quantum progress and cryptographic challenges
As quantum technologies advance, 2026 may represent the beginning of a transition toward cryptographic standards resistant to quantum computing. The vulnerability of current algorithms such as RSA and ECC to future quantum capabilities is dominating global security discussions, pushing organizations and governments to invest in post-quantum cryptography solutions.
3. Stricter regulations and compliance requirements
With regulations such as NIS2 entering full enforcement across the European Union, organizations will be required to adopt more robust cyber security governance frameworks. These must be fully integrated into risk management processes and supported by more detailed reporting obligations. Regulatory pressure will drive investment in continuous monitoring tools, vulnerability management and automated incident response.
4. Multi-cloud complexity and workload security
The widespread adoption of hybrid and multi-cloud architectures makes workload security a top priority for 2026. Organizations must deploy solutions that provide end-to-end visibility across assets and traffic, integrating Zero Trust models, advanced identity posture management and data protection techniques such as confidential computing.
5. Resilience and incident response orchestration
Prevention alone is no longer sufficient. The ability to respond quickly and contain security incidents will become a key competitive factor. Forecasts indicate increased adoption of automated incident response frameworks capable of isolating compromised systems, coordinating response teams and supporting real-time recovery processes.
6. Talent and training: the skills gap persists
The cyber security skills gap will remain a major challenge in 2026. While automation can mitigate part of the problem, demand for professionals capable of designing, implementing and governing advanced security strategies will continue to far exceed supply. Investments in training, certifications and specialized career paths will be essential to closing this gap.
Cyber security events to watch in 2026
The global cyber security community continues to organize major events and conferences that serve as platforms for sharing research, emerging technologies and strategic insights.
International conferences and global summits
- Black Hat USA and DEF CON 2026
Benchmarks for advanced technical research and the latest discoveries in vulnerabilities, exploits and defensive techniques. - Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit
Focused on governance, risk and aligning cyber security with business objectives. - GovWare Conference & Exhibition (Singapore) and IndoSec Summit 2026 (Jakarta)
Key Asia-Pacific events for national security strategies and industry collaboration. - Cybertech Europe 2026
A major European event bringing together institutions, enterprises and policymakers.
Workshops and thematic conferences
- ENISA Skills Conference 2026 and Cyber security Standardisation Conference
EU-level initiatives focused on skills development, standardization and cooperation. - Cyber security Summit (Italy)
A specialized trade fair for companies and professionals, addressing both local and global cyber security challenges.
