Cyberattacks remain one of the biggest business risks for companies. At the same time, artificial intelligence is noticeably changing the dynamic between attackers and defenders. A recent cyber security report for 2026 pulls together threat trends, real-world experience, and regulatory developments, and it makes one thing clear: AI is no longer an optional tool but a central factor in the contest over security.
AI works for both sides
Attackers already use AI to automate phishing campaigns, forge identities, and deliberately bypass protection mechanisms. Deepfakes are increasingly part of the mix too, for example in fake job applicant profiles that criminals use to get into companies without raising early suspicion. That shifts the focus away from purely technical vulnerabilities toward process and organizational risks.
On the other side, AI strengthens the defense. Modern security solutions detect anomalies faster, analyze incidents automatically, and shorten response times. The biggest advantage is scale: where manual analysis hits its limits, AI-assisted systems continuously process large volumes of data and contain attacks earlier. What still matters most is how well those systems are implemented and integrated into existing security processes.
Regulation and sovereignty move into focus
Beyond the technology, regulatory pressure is growing. Requirements like NIS2, DORA, the Cyber Resilience Act, and the AI Act force companies to review and adjust their security processes. Done right, these requirements are more than an obligation. They help you
- standardize security processes,
- capture risks systematically,
- strengthen incident response capabilities, and
- make your IT landscape more resilient.
Companies that treat regulation as a box-ticking exercise waste that potential and raise their long-term risk. In parallel, digital sovereignty is gaining importance. Dependence on non-European technology providers is drawing more attention against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions. Greater sovereignty means transparency about the systems in use, control over data and infrastructure, and the ability to make independent strategic decisions.
Conclusion: the better use of AI wins
Cybersecurity is evolving from a reactive discipline into a strategic factor for resilience and competitiveness. In the end, what counts is who uses AI better, attackers or defenders. For companies, that means tightly linking compliance, security operations, and modern technology instead of treating them separately. What's needed are integrated approaches that bring together advisory work, operations, and response to security incidents.