State of AI Cybersecurity 2026 Report

This report presents findings from a survey conducted with over 1,500 cybersecurity professionals globally, focusing on the impact of AI on cyber defense. The document outlines the significant concerns regarding AI-powered threats, with 44% of security professionals expressing high levels of concern about generative AI tools like Copilot and ChatGPT. It details the evolving nature of threats, including hyper-personalized phishing and the exposure of sensitive data. The report highlights a decrease in organizations with formal AI use policies, dropping from 45% to 37%. It also discusses the growing necessity for defensive AI capabilities, with 77% of security stacks now incorporating generative AI. The survey methodology is explained, noting participation from cybersecurity leaders and practitioners across various countries. Key priorities for the upcoming year are identified, emphasizing the need for improved threat detection, automated response, and vulnerability management in the context of AI integration within security operations.