Cybersecurity 2026: AI, CISA, manufacturing sector all in the hot seat - Cybersecurity Dive

Cybersecurity 2026: AI, CISA, manufacturing sector all in the hot seat A look at the most important trends and issues in cyber this year. Published Jan. 30, 2026 By Cybersecurity Dive Staff Share Add us on Google Getty Images New year, new and more complex challenges for cybersecurity leaders, starting on the technology front: AI tools are revolutionizing ways of working for security operations teams while unfortunately also empowering cyber threat actors to amplify their attacks. Meanwhile, the unprecedented wave of debilitating targeted cyberattacks that hit the manufacturing sector and disrupted operations at some of the biggest companies in the world over the past year serves as a stark wake-up call for critical infrastructure and other organizations to prioritize operational resilience. At the same time, the very foundation of financial protection in the face of a cyberattack — cyber insurance coverage — has reached a tipping point. Insurers are now more closely scrutinizing policyholders’ security postures, pressuring CISOs and executives to invest more in defense tools and potentially face higher premiums. All eyes will be on the U.S. federal government agency tasked with protecting critical infrastructure and leading cybersecurity policy: the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which is reeling after a year of massive workforce cuts and weakened private-industry partnerships. CISA’s ability to adapt and lead will be critical to safeguarding national security and critical infrastructure. But that is just a sneak-peek for 2026. Here is a deeper look at these and other critical cyber trends and issues to watch this year:  5 cybersecurity trends to watch in 2026 By David Jones • Jan. 23, 2026 Corporations across the globe are facing a dynamic risk environment, as AI adoption surges with few guardrails, business resilience takes center stage and the insurance industry raises major concerns about the U.S. cyber market. Read the full article ➔ CISA’s 7 biggest challenges in 2026 By Eric Geller • Jan. 9, 2026 From infrastructure protection to improving morale, the cybersecurity agency has a lot on its plate — and it still lacks a leader. Read the full article ➔ Manufacturers fortify cyber defenses in response to dramatic surge in attacks By Eric Geller and David Jones • Jan. 29, 2026 IT/OT convergence and other trends are making the manufacturing industry’s networks more vulnerable and more frequently targeted, but sector leaders are working to improve their cyber posture. Read the full article ➔ Add us on Google Share Filed Under: Strategy, Breaches, Vulnerability, Policy & Regulation