If you thought 2024 was intense, 2025 said, “Hold my coffee.” This year was packed with cyber drama: ransomware gangs running wild, AI stepping into the spotlight, and supply chain attacks reminding us that one weak link can bring down giants.
It was a year that tested every organization’s cyber hygiene and exposed just how fragile our digital defenses can be!
Let’s rewind: Jaguar Land Rover had to halt production after a cyberattack rippled through its supply chain, costing billions. Asahi Brewing faced a ransomware nightmare that spilled over into 2026. Even AI tools like ChatGPT weren’t immune, with data leaks reminding us of that innovation often comes with new risks. And then there was the Oracle zero-day exploit are a proof that ignoring patches is like leaving your front door wide open with a neon sign saying, “Hack me!”
So, what did we learn? First, patch management is not optional. If you’re still delaying updates because they’re “inconvenient,” you’re basically inviting trouble. Second, Zero Trust isn’t just a fancy term for security conferences, it’s a necessity. And let’s talk about MFA: if you’re treating it like an optional extra, you might as well hand over your credentials to the nearest hacker.
What to look out for in 2026: The big challenges ahead
2026 isn’t going to be a quiet year. In fact, it’s shaping up to be even more complex. Here are the key areas organizations need to focus on and why they matter:
-
AI Governance and Security
AI is everywhere now, from chatbots to predictive analytics. But with great power comes great responsibility. Organizations need clear rules for how AI is deployed, monitored, and secured. Attackers are already using AI to craft smarter phishing campaigns and automate malware. If you’re not thinking about AI governance, you’re already behind.
-
Identity-First Security
Passwords alone are yesterday’s news. Attackers are targeting credentials like never before, and phishing is getting more sophisticated. Multi-factor authentication (MFA), passwordless solutions, and privileged access management should be top priorities. Identity is the new perimeter—protect it like your business depends on it (because it does).
-
Supply Chain Risk Management
If 2025 taught us anything, it’s that your security is only as strong as your weakest vendor. From software providers to cloud platforms, third-party risk is a ticking time bomb. Continuous vendor assessments and secure-by-design principles aren’t optional, they’re survival strategies.
-
Automation in Incident Response
Cyberattacks move fast. Manual response? Too slow. Automation is no longer a luxury; it’s the only way to contain threats before they spiral out of control. Think automated containment, threat-informed defense, and playbooks that kick in without waiting for human intervention.
-
Resilience Over Reaction
The old model of “detect and fix” isn’t enough. Organizations need proactive resilience, regular tabletop exercises, threat hunting, and security embedded into every layer of operations. The goal isn’t just to survive an attack; it’s to keep business running even when things go wrong.
Cyber hygiene isn’t a one-time scrub; it’s a lifestyle. Skip it, and things get ugly fast. So, as you sip that holiday latte and binge-watch your favorite series, ask yourself: is your organization ready for 2026? Or are you still hoping hackers take a vacation? Spoiler alert: THEY DO NOT!
