Cybersecurity specialists at HP anticipate a significant shift in the landscape of cyber threats and challenges by 2026, pinpointing a notable rise in cookie theft, increased utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) by attackers, and heightened scrutiny on device and identity security within organizations.
Cookie Theft on the Rise
As multi-factor authentication gains traction, HP predicts that cybercriminals will increasingly target authentication cookies and tokens instead of traditional passwords. Attackers are likely to exploit these stolen cookies swiftly before they expire, aiming to insert backdoors and maintain ongoing access to compromised systems. The market for such exploits is expected to expand, with threat actors creating online marketplaces for trading stolen cookies and tokens. However, defenses against cookie and token theft remain underdeveloped, often making prevention measures inconvenient for users, which diminishes their effectiveness.
Attacks targeting users with privileged access, such as system administrators, pose especially grave risks. These individuals frequently use web browsers to access sensitive portals, meaning that compromised admin cookies could lead to breaches of critical services, including EntraID, InTune, or AWS. While issuing dedicated access workstations for privileged users is recognized as best practice, adoption remains inconsistent, and even these dedicated devices can be vulnerable. Experts recommend that organizations consider implementing additional protective layers, such as stricter isolation and enhanced device security checks.
AI in Criminal Workflows
HP analysts foresee organized crime groups leveraging AI to automate various components of cyberattacks. Currently, attackers use AI for basic tasks like generating phishing content, but future advancements may enable more sophisticated reconnaissance and vulnerability discovery. “In 2026, we expect to see organized crime groups automate workflows and outsource more tasks using AI agents in their attacks, especially preparatory tasks like researching victims to target,” stated Alex Holland, Principal Threat Researcher at the HP Security Lab. He elaborated that improvements in large language models and agentic AI systems will expand the role of AI throughout the attack lifecycle, reducing reliance on skilled human operators. As AI scales up attacks, cybersecurity detection tools are projected to struggle to keep pace, making containment and response even more critical.
Physical Device Attacks
The rise of hybrid work models and greater device mobility is likely to increase the incidence of physical attacks on IT devices. Affordable and accessible tools for device tampering may enable attackers to exfiltrate data, seize control of devices, or inflict destructive damage. Consequently, security teams will need to prioritize practices that maintain device and data integrity, especially as devices are frequently used in public or semi-public environments. If not properly secured, tampered devices could lead to wider enterprise breaches.
Organizations are anticipated to seek hardware equipped with built-in protections, including authentication and integrity checks at both software and hardware levels. The ongoing focus on security will also extend to the Internet of Things (IoT) and print devices, following a trend of attacks targeting connected systems.
IoT and Print Security in Focus
Expert commentary suggests that businesses and public sector organizations will increase oversight of IoT, edge, and print devices, as previous security failures have enabled attackers to commandeer printers or launch attacks from unprotected endpoints. Printers often escape basic monitoring and controls, which can create security blind spots. As a result, security teams are expected to adopt more proactive stances toward monitoring connected devices and automating compliance checks across IT fleets.
Quantum Readiness Requirements
The adoption of quantum-resistant cryptography is projected to accelerate, with new standards for quantum-safe encryption set to take effect. Public sector and critical industries are likely to begin transitioning away from traditional cryptography methods like RSA and elliptic curve algorithms. Many organizations are expected to procure quantum-resistant keys for new devices starting in 2026, reflecting escalating concerns that quantum computers may soon pose a threat to existing encryption methods. This proactive approach is crucial, as devices ordered in the coming years could still be operational when these cyber threats materialize.
Identity and Data Provenance
Looking ahead, experts predict a paradigm shift from fragmented identity solutions to unified, data-centric models for authentication and data governance. Security strategies will increasingly focus on tracking data provenance and usage, extending control beyond organizational boundaries. Persistent identity and policy management will trace data throughout its lifecycle, embedding governance and oversight into business processes. “In 2026, we’ll see efforts within enterprise security shift from fragmented identity frameworks and perimeter-based controls to a unified, data-centric model,” noted Peter Blanchard, Document Workflow Security Strategy Principal at HP. He emphasized the need for centralizing identity orchestration to simplify access, strengthen governance, and mitigate operational risk.
As businesses respond to these evolving threats, device manufacturers and their customers will face mounting pressure to integrate advanced hardware security and resilient cryptography into all future procurement decisions, ensuring a robust defense against the increasingly sophisticated landscape of cyber threats.
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