Cyberthreat Defense Report

94% of organizations are beginning to prepare for quantum computing security risks.

80% of IT security professionals believe AI will significantly reduce the number of people required to perform their current roles.

90% of organizations increased their IT security budgets in 2026, with an average increase of 5.6%.

64% of organizations experienced a ransomware attack in the past year.

Among organizations victimized by ransomware, the share that paid a ransom increased from 41% to 55%.

53% of organizations have a board member involved in or leading a cyber risk assessment committee.

Among IT security professionals who expect AI to reduce required headcount, 46% expect this shift to occur within the next two years.

97% of IT security hiring managers are actively seeking candidates with at least one AI-related skill.

Among organizations that paid ransoms, 61% successfully recovered their data, up from 54% the previous year.

54% of organizations are actively developing plans to strengthen their security posture and risk mitigation strategies for quantum computing.

46% of IT security professionals report that AI is contributing to a rise in adaptive and evasive malware.