5 key cybersecurity risks in 2026
NordVPN experts predict five key cybersecurity threats that will become more prominent in the coming year. These risks are no longer limited to large corporations — they’re increasingly targeting everyday users, which makes it important to understand these dangers first so you can take the steps to protect yourself.
Risk #1: The internet’s growing dependence on a few big platforms
The internet is becoming a monoculture that relies on a few dominant platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Cloudflare, and productivity suites such as Google Workspace or Microsoft Office. This over-dependence creates a fragile ecosystem where a single breach, technical outage, cyberattack, or even a configuration error could disrupt services for millions of users all at once.
Hackers see this over-reliance on a few dominant platforms as an opportunity to maximize their profits. A vulnerability in one widely used service can expose massive amounts of data, which makes cyberattacks more efficient and lucrative.
“Because the digital ecosystem nowadays is largely monocultural, everyone becomes a target. Online, there is no such thing as being uninteresting. Any small piece of data, even something as simple as DNS records, can be sold, aggregated, and monetized. Simply existing online makes you a target,” explains Adrianus Warmenhoven, a cybersecurity expert at NordVPN.
Risk #2: Misinformation about online security habits on social media
In its latest global risks report, the World Economic Forum identified misinformation and disinformation as a major cybersecurity risk over the next two years.1 This concern isn’t new — our article on cybersecurity predictions for 2025, published last year, also flagged disinformation as a growing threat in the online space.
As we move into 2026, the problem is only becoming worse, particularly on social media platforms, where the spread of false information is creating dangerous security vulnerabilities. The source of misinformation isn’t always malicious. Human error or false AI-generated content, called AI hallucinations, can add to the flood of incorrect advice. However, threat actors are intentionally exploiting this environment to mislead users. Criminal groups are targeting popular platforms like Reddit, forums, and even news site comment sections to normalize poor personal cybersecurity habits.
The spread of misinformation isn’t random — organized criminal groups are driving these campaigns. These groups, often better funded and organized than legitimate businesses, have marketing teams dedicated to spreading misinformation.
They hire or create influencers to promote poor security habits, such as reusing passwords or disabling security features, and endorse products with weak security standards. By normalizing these unsafe practices, they increase the pool of vulnerable users they can exploit.
Risk #3: Malicious AI tools
Malicious AI tools like Evil-GPT and WormGPT, promoted on dark web forums as the "ultimate enemy of ChatGPT," allow hackers to carry out network breaches and AI scams like phishing with little effort.
Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly easier to execute with the help of these tools. They also make attacks smarter, faster, and more widespread than traditional methods that relied on manual effort or less advanced technology.
At the same time, artificial intelligence is leveling the playing field for cybercriminals. It allows beginners to launch attacks they couldn’t manage on their own, while giving experienced hackers advanced tools to polish and scale their operations.
Not just that, but AI is also creating risks in tools people trust and use, like ChatGPT. Despite repeated warnings about data privacy, many users continue to share sensitive information with generative AI tools. Hackers are now targeting this data, knowing it can hold valuable personal or business details.
Risk #4: Diminishing trust in digital services
Criminals are increasingly using AI for face and voice cloning to create fake personas that look and sound authentic. By combining stolen real user data with fabricated details, they create synthetic identities (a process known as synthetic identity theft) that bypass basic security measures and allow them to commit crimes undetected.
The growing reliance on cloud-based services has made this issue worse. Hackers target authentication systems with hyper-personalized scams, automated phishing messages, and fake accounts that seem legitimate. These attacks blur the line between real and artificial, which makes it difficult for users and even security systems to spot fraud.
But criminals aren’t stopping at one-off scams. They use fake identities to open bank accounts, apply for loans, or access cloud services without getting caught for months or even years. With AI making these scams faster and harder to detect compared to traditional methods like manually crafted phishing emails, trust in digital platforms and devices is at serious risk of collapse.
Risk #5: Quantum computing and encryption risks
Quantum computing is advancing fast, which raises concerns about the security of current encryption methods. Even though large-scale quantum attacks may still be a few years away, criminals are already stealing encrypted data to decrypt it later when quantum breakthroughs become viable.
This “harvest now, decrypt later” strategy could expose decades of sensitive information. Once quantum decryption becomes viable, personal messages, financial data, government secrets — all could be exposed. Post-quantum cryptography shouldn’t be treated as a futuristic worry.
Organizations and individuals must act today to strengthen their defenses and adopt encryption methods designed to withstand the power of quantum computing. Waiting could leave your data vulnerable to the criminals who are already preparing for a quantum-enabled future.
5 tips to strengthen your digital security in 2026
Before you feel defenseless in the face of these emerging risks, know that you can take steps to protect yourself.
1. Diversify or delete your digital footprint
Relying on a single ecosystem or service makes you more vulnerable. While using tools like Google Drive or Microsoft Office might feel convenient, diversify where you store sensitive information. Avoid relying on a single service so you can limit the damage if it gets hacked.
Along with using multiple platforms, clean up your digital footprint. Old accounts on forgotten websites, unused apps, and outdated files stored online add to your digital footprint — and your risk.
Hackers often target abandoned accounts and stale data because these are usually left unmonitored. Regularly audit your online presence. Delete accounts, files, or services you no longer need or use. Diversify what you need, and delete what you don’t.
2. Question the content you consume
Not everything you see online has your best interests at heart. Criminals are hiring influencers and running clever disinformation campaigns to trick people into bad habits.
These campaigns are designed to make unsafe practices — like reusing passwords, disabling two-factor authentication, or ignoring privacy settings — seem normal or even smart. They want you to think, “Everyone’s doing it, so it must be fine.”
Be skeptical of what you read, watch, or hear online. Influencers promoting shady products or services may be paid to push sketchy tools or fake security shortcuts. Offers that sound too good to be true probably are. Always pause before following advice that doesn’t prioritize your privacy or security, even if it comes from a source you originally thought to be trustworthy.
3. Use AI tools wisely
AI can be a powerful tool, but it comes with risks you can’t ignore. Avoid sharing sensitive information with AI tools like chatbots, voice assistants, or any platform you don’t fully trust. Many of these tools collect your data to improve their models, which could expose you to privacy breaches or attacks if that data is ever compromised.
Beyond privacy, stay alert to the risks of AI-driven threats. Protect yourself by keeping your devices and software up to date. Regular updates often include critical security patches that can help defend against these advanced attacks.
“While AI chatbots are useful tools, it's important to be mindful of your privacy and security when using them so that you don’t become a target for cybercriminals," says Marijus Briedis, a cybersecurity expert at NordVPN.
4. Strengthen online authentication
Strengthening how you log into your accounts is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself. Start by enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all your services. MFA makes it much harder for hackers to gain access to your accounts, even if they have your passwords.
Also, make sure that the passwords you use are strong and unique. Avoid using the same one twice or relying on weak passwords that are easy to guess. If keeping track of your passwords feels overwhelming, invest in a trusted password manager like NordPass. It can help you generate and securely store complex passwords without the hassle.
Be cautious before clicking on any link, responding to unexpected emails, or reacting to emotional pleas. If the message or request seems suspicious, always verify its legitimacy first — call the bank, check the sender’s details, or search the company’s website.
5. Stay ahead of quantum risks
Quantum computing may seem like a futuristic concept, but the risks it poses are very real and growing. To protect your data for the future, start planning today. Adopt encryption methods and tools that are resistant to quantum breakthroughs.
Staying ahead of emerging threats, NordVPN is taking proactive steps to build a quantum-safe future. In early 2025, NordVPN introduced post-quantum encryption for Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS users (including TV users), which makes this encryption available across all platforms.
Activating this feature is simple. NordVPN users can enable it with a toggle switch — once set to "ON," the feature activates automatically whenever the VPN connects via the NordLynx protocol. While quantum encryption standards are still evolving, taking small steps now can make a big difference in securing your data for the future.
VPN with post-quantum encryption is here.
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The future is today — prepare for it
In 2026, criminals will use advanced AI tools, quantum technology, and more deceptive tactics compared to those we’ve seen in the past to carry out attacks. The bad guys may be evolving, but so can we.
By staying informed and proactive, you can remain one step ahead. By following these tips and practicing good personal cybersecurity habits, you can improve your digital privacy and security and protect not just your data, but your peace of mind.
“As the borders between the physical and digital worlds blur, cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue but a societal one. It’s like teaching a child to eat a sandwich, but not how to brush their teeth. Digital education has focused on literacy (how to use devices), whereas the focus must shift to digital hygiene, cultivating good security habits. In 2026, this will become more important than ever,” concludes Adrianus Warmenhoven.
References
1 Mark Elsner, Grace Atkinson, and Saadia Zahidi (2025). Global Risks Report 2025. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-risks-report-2025/
