Most Discussed Cybersecurity Topics in 2026

In 2026, cybersecurity has long since moved from a server room concern to a boardroom priority. Major industry players across industries have begun to shift from ‘defensive procedures’ to ‘operational resilience in the wake of repeated, modern cyber attacks.’ It’s no longer about if you get hit, but how fast you recover when you do. 

Having hosted dozens of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) executive roundtables this past year, the Ortus Club has had a front-row seat to the many current and developing concerns of global security leaders. We have prepared a list of the most prominent.

The AI Arms Race in Cybersecurity

AI has taken the world by storm, and bad actors have been using Large Language Models (LLMs) to hyper-personalise phishing and automate vulnerability discovery. Likewise, security professionals have also been utilising AI to accelerate security processes, but having both sides utilise similar tools to different ends may run the risk of creating new, unmanaged “shadow AI” risks. Generative AI is a double-edged sword in security operations, and it may be time to look beyond the hype of AI’s usefulness to discuss the implications of real-world implementation in Security Operations Centers (SOCs).

Cybersecurity: Quantum Readiness

While widespread quantum computing is still on the horizon, it’s quickly becoming more ‘science’ than ‘fiction,’ and bad actors have begun their “harvest now, decrypt later” agenda. The dangers and capabilities of quantum computing are mostly guesswork, but we can safely assume that it will operate at unfathomable speeds in completing tasks deemed too complex for current computing. Thus, leaders have been discussing the migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and the inventory of critical encrypted assets to secure crucial data and stave off potential breaches.

Across finance and infrastructure sectors, timelines are also being compared for the development of quantum-resistant infrastructure to more accurately predict and prepare for vulnerabilities.

The NIS2 & DORA Ripple Effect in Cybersecurity

The maturation of regulations like NIS2 in Europe and DORA in the financial sector is forcing a re-evaluation of the entire vendor ecosystem. Moving from simple check-the-box compliance methods to continuous verification via third-party security is causing a ripple across industries to revamp security systems. Likewise, third-party cybersecurity and internal security teams have had to go through rapid training and development cycles to keep up with new developments, and this is a direct factor in why the CISO is now a primary stakeholder in procurement and vendor selection.

As we go into 2026, it’s likely new policies will arise alongside the ever-rapidly developing technologies that we incorporate into businesses. The best thing to do is to keep an ear to the ground and regularly commune with cybersecurity professionals on current and potential issues to look out for.

The “Human Element” & CISO Sustainability

The weakest link in a cybersecurity chain is always the human involved. Many companies have realised this and have started shifting from passive user awareness training to creating security measures that are human-centric in design. Systems that make it hard for humans to make mistakes and minimise opportunities for involuntary error. Unfortunately, with the rise of AI and tools capable of managing the basics of cybersecurity, the average tenure of a CISO has begun to shrink, while the personal liability for breaches is increasing.

Dropping your leadership in favour of tools is an ineffective strategy, and dips team morale when things go wrong. This is especially prudent in high-pressure, “always-on” environments like cybersecurity, which are up-to-date by the hour and require the utmost speed and attention to maintain operational success.

Benchmarking Behind Closed Doors

The conundrum of cybersecurity and its best practices is that they can’t be discussed in large-scale, public conferences. There’s simply too much risk of bad actors being mixed in the crowd and learning exactly what to prepare against. Small-scale events like the Ortus Club’s roundtables are safer alternatives as attendees are thoroughly vetted, approved, and screened before anyone walks through the venue doors. Likewise, the Ortus Club ensures that any failure stories, “near-miss” data, or other confidential information stays in that room, never to see the light of day to anyone other than the guests in that room.

The Ortus Club also employs moderators who are trained to extract “unstructured intelligence” from attendees regarding market sentiment, vendor performance, or competitive insight without compromising guest privacy. This way, CISO professionals can maximise their ROI and convene to develop better strategies and develop a collective defense away from the prying eyes of those who want to take advantage. 

Cybersecurity Strategy Through Shared Wisdom

2026 is the year of “Collective Resilience.” No organisation can reasonably stand alone against modern cyber threats. The most powerful tool in a CISO’s arsenal isn’t the latest piece of software, but the perspective of a peer who is fighting the same battle. It’s time to start preparing ourselves for the future and ensure that we all, as a collective, stay safe. Looking to benchmark your 2026 cybersecurity roadmap? Join an upcoming Ortus Club executive roundtable to hear the unspoken truths of cybersecurity leadership!