Cybersecurity specialists at HP anticipate a significant increase in threats and challenges by 2026, predicting a surge in cookie theft, greater utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) by attackers, and heightened scrutiny on device and identity security within organizations. As multi-factor authentication becomes commonplace, HP warns that cybercriminals are likely to pivot towards stealing authentication cookies and tokens instead of traditional passwords.
This shift towards cookie theft arises from the need for attackers to exploit these stolen credentials swiftly before they expire. The rise of online marketplaces specifically for trading stolen cookies and tokens is expected to contribute to this burgeoning market. Security teams are grappling with immature defenses against such theft, which often remain inconvenient for users, thereby decreasing the likelihood of effective prevention measures.
The implications of these attacks are particularly concerning for users with privileged access, including system administrators who frequently utilize web browsers to access sensitive portals. Should attackers gain access to admin cookies, they could potentially breach critical services such as EntraID, InTune, or AWS. Best practices suggest issuing privileged users with separate dedicated access workstations, although uptake has been inconsistent. Even dedicated devices are not immune to compromise, prompting experts to recommend additional protective layers, including stricter isolation and device security checks.
With regards to AI, HP analysts predict that organized crime groups will increasingly turn to artificial intelligence to automate various stages of their cyberattacks. Currently, AI is employed for basic tasks such as creating phishing content; however, its role is expected to evolve significantly in the coming years. Alex Holland, Principal Threat Researcher at the HP Security Lab, emphasized that AI will assist threat actors in advanced reconnaissance and vulnerability discovery, thereby facilitating larger-scale attacks with less reliance on skilled human operators.
“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,” Holland stated. He further noted that rapid advancements in large language models and agentic AI systems will expand their role throughout the attack lifecycle, ultimately enabling attackers to conduct more complex operations.
The increase in mobility and the prevalence of hybrid work models are expected to heighten the risk of physical attacks on IT devices. As tools for device tampering become more affordable and accessible, attackers could exploit these vulnerabilities to exfiltrate data, take control of devices, or inflict destructive damage. In response, security teams will need to strengthen practices that maintain device and data integrity, particularly as devices are frequently used in public or semi-public settings, increasing the risk of tampering.
In light of past security failures that have allowed attackers to exploit connected devices, HP foresees a growing focus on the security of Internet of Things (IoT), edge, and print devices within businesses and public sector organizations. Expert insights indicate that printers and similar devices often escape basic monitoring, creating a security blind spot. Consequently, security teams will likely adopt a more proactive approach in monitoring connected devices and automating compliance checks across their IT fleets.
As organizations prepare for the future, the adoption of quantum-resistant cryptography is expected to accelerate, with new standards for quantum-safe encryption coming into effect. Public sector and critical industries are likely to initiate migration away from traditional cryptography, such as RSA and elliptic curve algorithms. Many organizations will begin to procure quantum-resistant keys for new devices starting in 2026, reflecting rising concerns about the potential threats posed by quantum computers.
Experts also anticipate a shift towards unified, data-centric models for authentication and data governance, moving away from fragmented identity solutions. Security strategies will increasingly focus on tracking the origin and use of data, enforcing controls that extend beyond organizational boundaries. Persistent identity and policy management will become essential, embedding governance and oversight throughout the data lifecycle.
“In 2026, we’ll see efforts within enterprise security shift from fragmented identity frameworks and perimeter-based controls to a unified, data-centric model. Today’s zero-trust implementations often create complexity and fatigue, with identity scattered across users, apps, and devices. This fragmentation leads to blind spots, inconsistent enforcement, and poor user experience,” said Peter Blanchard, Document Workflow Security Strategy Principal at HP.
As the landscape for cybersecurity evolves, both device manufacturers and their customers will face increasing pressure to ensure advanced hardware security and resilient cryptography in future procurement decisions. The future of enterprise security will demand these changes as the threats become more sophisticated and pervasive.
See also
Researchers Identify 30+ Vulnerabilities in AI IDEs, Exposing Data Theft Risks
AI Predictions for 2026: Custom Malware, Hallucination Management, and Cybersecurity Challenges
