Cybersecurity is set to become an even more central part of global politics in 2026, as digital threats move beyond isolated hacks and into the heart of geopolitical conflict. From AI-driven attacks to satellite interference, experts warn that cyber warfare is no longer a future risk — it’s fast becoming the norm.
Across Europe alone, 2025 saw a sharp rise in cyber incidents. Airports were disrupted, elections allegedly targeted, and even aircraft navigation systems interfered with. Europe accounted for 22% of global ransomware attacks, while 3.2 million distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks were recorded across Europe, the Middle East and Africa in just the first part of the year. The financial impact has been severe, with major European economies losing a combined €300 billion over the past five years, according to insurance group Howden.
With that backdrop, cybersecurity is expected to climb even higher on government priority lists in 2026.
Cybersecurity Becomes a Geopolitical Weapon
If 2025 marked the moment cybersecurity entered mainstream geopolitical debate, 2026 is expected to see those tensions intensify. Analysts predict increased cyber activity linked to state actors including Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, driven by political instability and rapid technological change.
Security researchers believe China will continue using cyber operations to strengthen its political and economic position, with the semiconductor industry viewed as a particularly sensitive target due to global supply-chain tensions. Russia is expected to maintain cyber operations linked to the war in Ukraine, while also expanding influence campaigns aimed at Western democracies during key election periods. Iran, meanwhile, is forecast to increase cyber activity in the Middle East, including through coordinated misinformation efforts.
In response, the European Union is expected to launch its own known-exploited vulnerability database in 2026. The aim is to improve intelligence sharing between member states and speed up responses to security flaws already being actively abused by attackers.
AI Moves From Novelty to Standard Tool
Artificial intelligence is set to transform both sides of cyber conflict. Security experts expect malicious actors to increasingly deploy AI agents — autonomous systems capable of planning and executing attacks without direct human input. These tools could allow cybercriminals to scale attacks faster and coordinate multiple strategies at once.
New techniques are also emerging. One growing concern is prompt injection, where attackers manipulate AI systems into ignoring safeguards and following hidden instructions. Another is AI-powered voice phishing, or “vishing”, where realistic voice clones impersonate executives or IT staff to extract sensitive information from employees.
Phishing emails written by AI are also becoming harder to detect, mimicking human tone and behaviour with alarming accuracy. At the same time, defenders are expected to use AI more aggressively to analyse attacks, decode malicious software and identify emerging tactics in real time.
Cyber Conflict Reaches Space
Cybersecurity threats are no longer confined to land-based networks. In 2026, experts expect a rise in attacks targeting satellites and global positioning systems (GPS) — systems that underpin aviation, shipping, defence and everyday smartphone navigation.
Throughout 2025, GPS interference became increasingly common. Attackers either jam signals, preventing them from being received, or spoof them by transmitting fake data. These tactics can misdirect aircraft, disrupt shipping routes, interfere with drones and even affect weapons systems.
Security analysts warn that GPS disruption is likely to continue as cyber warfare becomes a routine part of military strategy. Industries most at risk include airlines, logistics firms and defence manufacturers. To counter these threats, companies are being urged to introduce stronger encryption and additional layers of protection for satellite communications.
A Defining Year Ahead
Taken together, these trends suggest that 2026 will be a defining year for cybersecurity. As AI becomes more powerful, geopolitical tensions rise, and critical infrastructure extends into space, the digital battlefield is expanding rapidly — and governments, companies and individuals alike will need to adapt just as quickly.
thetechtrident.com 