In 2026, we predict that the most significant risks won't always be elite hackers. Often, our safety is primarily affected by human behavior, new technology, and old habits that haven’t kept pace with our new digital reality. 

We dusted off the National Cybersecurity Alliance's crystal ball to predict what the bad guys will get up to and how the resilient among us (including you!) can stay safe online in 2026. 

Deepfakes will be impossible to spot 

This is essentially our AI-generated deepfake reality, and the technology is only going to get better. Anyone who tells you there are "rules" for spotting AI photos, video, or text in 2026 (check the hands, bro) is, unfortunately, suffering from wishful thinking. There is just no easy way to spot AI deepfakes.   

Scammers can use AI to clone a boss’s voice to approve fraudulent payments or create convincing videos and emails that trick people into sharing passwords or sensitive information. In the coming years, these attacks will become more common, faster to produce, and harder to verify. 

To fight against the deepfake scammers, know that trusting what you see online won’t be enough. Verifying requests, especially those involving money, credentials, or urgent action, will be critical. Cultivating habits such as double-checking through a second channel (e.g., calling the person directly or confirming in person) will become an essential part of online safety. 

Untrained AI use will lead to more data leaks

AI tools are part of everyday life at work and at home. In 2026, another risk beyond criminals using AI will be the accidental sharing of sensitive information by regular people.

Many users already input financial details, internal documents, or client data into AI tools without realizing the potential consequences. AI adoption is skyrocketing, and training hasn’t kept pace.

When using AI, know that convenience can come with hidden risks. Understanding what types of information should never be shared with AI tools, especially workplace or personal data, is essential. Organizations will need clear rules, and individuals will need to pause before pasting sensitive information into a prompt.

Cybercrime will feel routine for young adults

For Gen Z and Millennials, cybercrime is already a regular part of digital life, a trend that will only intensify in 2026. Online scams now show up everywhere: dating apps, social media, text messages, crypto platforms, and fake tech support calls.

As young adults’ digital footprints grow, so does their exposure to fraud, phishing, and impersonation scams.

For internet users young and old, we think cybersecurity education will need to change. Long lectures and technical jargon won’t work. Training and awareness must meet people where they already are, on the platforms they use daily, and focus on real-world scenarios they encounter.

Passwords will finally start to melt away  

Passwords have long been one of the weakest links in cybersecurity, and by 2026, we expect more organizations to move beyond them. Many people reuse passwords, avoid password managers, or skip multifactor authentication, which makes credential-based attacks easy for criminals. 

As a result, businesses, platforms, and retailers are shifting toward passkeys and device-based authentication—stronger login methods that don’t require memorizing complex passwords. 

For the public, this means logging in may become easier and safer, but you will need to use new processes. Passwords won’t disappear overnight, but you can expect more services to offer passwordless or simplified authentication options that reduce risk and frustration, such as passkeys. 

Cybersecurity training will focus on real behavior change 

Traditional cybersecurity training, such as long, once-a-year courses, has not been effective for some time. In 2026, more organizations will prioritize short, timely lessons delivered when people need them. Some materials will even be funny! 

Instead of checking a compliance box, training will aim to reinforce good decisions in real time, such as spotting phishing emails or enabling multifactor authentication when it matters most. 

For workers and individuals, we hope cybersecurity will feel less like a chore and more like a practical life skill. Small reminders at the right moment can make a big difference in staying safe online. 

The biggest breaches will still come from basic human missteps

Despite advances in AI and new technologies, many data breaches in 2026 will still happen for the same old reasons: weak passwords, missing updates, falling for phishing messages, and skipping multifactor authentication. Attackers will continue to exploit these basics because they work.

For all of us, the fundamentals still matter. Keeping software up to date, using strong and unique passwords, enabling multifactor authentication, and being cautious with unexpected messages remain the most effective ways to protect yourself.

Staying smart in 2026

The future of cybersecurity isn’t about smarter attackers; it will be about maintaining good habits. As technology evolves, staying secure will primarily still rely on awareness, verification, and doing the basics well. In 2026, cybersecurity won’t be something you think about once a year. It will be an everyday part of daily online life.