Cybersecurity in 2026: Forrester’s Predictions for a Systemic Risk Era

Cybersecurity is entering a new phase where technology, geopolitics and regulation are deeply intertwined. In this episode of the Ideaverse podcast, host Mark Durham explores Forrester’s cybersecurity predictions for 2026 and what they reveal about the rapidly changing risk landscape facing organizations worldwide. From the rise of agentic AI and its potential security implications, to the increasing nationalization of telecom infrastructure and the emergence of new vulnerability reporting frameworks in Europe, these trends highlight how cybersecurity is evolving from a technical discipline into a strategic business function. As regulatory pressure grows, governments assert digital sovereignty and AI systems become embedded across enterprise operations, CISOs and technology leaders must rethink how they approach security, governance and risk management. The conversation explores three key predictions shaping the year ahead and what they signal for the future of cybersecurity strategy.