Netskope details security trends and risks expected in 2026

Industry experts from Netskope have outlined several security trends and challenges expected to emerge in 2026, emphasizing shifts in Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications, quantum security, data breaches, and regulatory landscapes that are relevant for enterprise IT and security leaders.

The forecasted decline in speculative AI activities

Mark Day, Chief Scientist, predicts a downturn in non-substantive AI initiatives, suggesting a deflation of the current AI enthusiasm. This shift is anticipated to prompt increased evaluation of AI projects concerning their economic sustainability, with potential repercussions for overinvested data center infrastructures.

Projected emergence of an AI-driven autonomous data breach

Neil Thacker, Global Privacy and Data Protection Officer (DPO), anticipates the first prominent data breach caused by an autonomous AI system within an enterprise would occur by mid-2026. Such an event is expected to challenge existing AI governance and risk management frameworks, necessitating the adoption of AI gateways analogous to cloud access security brokers for managing AI risks.

Advancement toward implementing quantum-resistant security measures

Chief Information Security Architect Rehman Khan notes a transition in 2026 from discussions to practical implementation of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) standards finalized by NIST. Organizations are expected to undertake comprehensive audits of current encryption methods as a preparatory step toward securing sensitive data against future quantum decryption threats.

Challenges to digital trust from AI and quantum technologies

David Fairman, CIO and CSO for APAC, indicates that the intersection of Generative AI (GenAI) and quantum computing will raise questions about digital content authenticity and identity verification. Enterprises may prioritize enhancing trust infrastructures with quantum-resistant cryptography and AI-based content authentication mechanisms to address increased risks to digital trust.

Regulatory environment complexities and enforcement intensification

Steve Riley, VP and Field CTO, suggests that governments will enforce cybersecurity regulations more strictly in response to geopolitical pressures. Despite increased regulatory clarity, the multiplicity of regional requirements is expected to complicate compliance efforts, with accountability measures intensifying for organizations failing to prevent avoidable security breaches.

Growing focus on data sovereignty in global regulation

James Robison, CISO, forecasts a heightened emphasis on data sovereignty laws across nations including the US, Saudi Arabia, and the EU. This trend is likely to influence discussions on designing and deploying data services constrained within national or regional boundaries to comply with evolving legal requirements.

This Blog Signals brief summarizes Netskope experts’ projections for 2026 security trends, highlighting developments in AI risks, quantum cryptography adoption, regulatory pressures, and data sovereignty considerations important for enterprise information security governance and strategic planning.