Cybersecurity 2026: The Age of AI Agents and Quantum Risks

This IBM Technology presentation examines the evolving cybersecurity landscape leading into 2026, with a primary focus on the dual nature of artificial intelligence. While the source highlights AI-driven defenses, it warns of rising threats like shadow AI, highly sophisticated deepfakes, and autonomous AI agents that can automate entire attack chains. The author also stresses the looming danger of quantum computing, urging organizations to adopt quantum-safe cryptography before current encryption methods become obsolete. Additionally, the text notes positive shifts in user security, such as the increasing adoption of passkeys to eliminate vulnerable passwords. Ultimately, the overview serves as a call for proactive governance and technological adaptation to counter increasingly automated and high-speed digital threats.