Cybersecurity in 2026 looks very different from just a few years ago. The challenge today isn’t only about protecting systems, but about securing how organizations access critical data and systems, communicate, operate, and make decisions.
Across identity security secure collaboration, and operational technology (OT), one message is consistent: organizations want more control, flexibility, and greater resilience while maintaining the utmost security
PAM evolves towards proactive identity security
Privileged Access Management has evolved well beyond its original scope. Once focused primarily on administrator credentials, PAM is now a core component of intelligent identity security.
“PAM is no longer just about protecting keys. It’s about protecting intelligence,” says Alejandro Leal, Senior Analyst at KuppingerCole.
Modern PAM solutions integrate with ITDR, CIEM, and SOAR to support detection, response, and automated remediation. This evolution is driven by the growth of non-human identities, the adoption of agentic AI, zero trust strategies, and increasing focus on post-quantum security. “These forces are reshaping how organizations think about identity,” Alejandro notes. “PAM is becoming more adaptive, automated, and intelligent.”
Secure communication and collaboration and data sovereignty take center stage
Digital communication is at the heart of modern business. It is how teams collaborate, how trust is built, and how critical decisions are made. As a result, communications have becoma a target for nefarious actors.
“As communication becomes central to how organizations operate, it also becomes something that must be protected,” says Pelin Demir, our Product Manager for SSH Secure Collaboration. “Secure communication is no longer just a convenience - it’s a strategic topic.”
Data sovereignty is now a top priority. Organizations want clarity on where their communication data is stored, who can access it, and which laws apply. In Europe, concerns around sensitive data being processed on non-EU cloud platforms continue to drive change.
Many organizations are moving away from exclusive reliance on foreign public cloud services and adopting local cloud, on-premise, or private network deployments. These models provide clearer governance, greater control, and reduced dependency on external providers.
Decentralization and federation also play a critical role. “Centralized platforms create single points of failure,” Pelin explains. “Federation allows organizations to communicate securely while keeping control of their own systems and policies.”
OT security expands alongside Industry
OT environments have become more connected than ever. The continued advance of Industry 4.0 has introduced more sensors, remote telemetry, and predictive maintenance capabilities. All of which increasethe attack surface.
“As industry becomes more connected, security complexity grows,” says Warwick Ashford, Senior Analyst at KuppingerCole.
“More sensors, more connectivity, and more remote access all need to be secured.”
Regulatory requirements now place strong emphasis on identity management, auditability, least-privilege access, and vendor oversight. At the same time, OEMs and system integrators expect secure and efficient remote access to control systems. “Organizations need to enable access without compromising safety,” Warwick adds, “and that balance is now a core security challenge.”
Security in 2026: built for control and resilience
In 2026, cybersecurity is not about convenience alone. It is about control, sovereignty, and resilience across communication, infrastructure, and identity.
At SSH, we help organizations meet these challenges with security solutions designed for trust, visibility, and long-term confidence.
Want to get on track with the latest cybersecurity trends and future-proof your business for 2026 and beyond? Here’s what we at SSH can help you with:
Alina Preda
Alina is SSH’s Marketing Coordinator in the EMEA region, wielding over 7 years of experience as a journalist and content writer across various domains. In 2023, she shifted her focus from media to cybersecurity, where she continues to bring stories to life, craft compelling narratives, and bridge connections.
