11 Statistics Every Cyber Security Team Should Know in 2026

As businesses embrace AI, cloud, and remote technologies at record speed, attackers are doing the same — weaponising automation, generative AI, and deepfake tactics to exploit weak points. The last year saw an unprecedented rise in the complexity and scale of cyber threats, putting pressure on cybersecurity teams to adapt quickly.

For businesses or professionals who want to get started in the tech industry, keeping pace with security trends should be about awareness and strategy.

“Organisations are experiencing increased cyber risk, both internally and externally, from AI systems,” says Firebrand’s Cybersecurity Subject Matter Expert, Phil Chapman. “The use of AI in cybersecurity will continue to grow, as will the use of generative and agentic AI systems by threat actors, posing a significant threat to all industry sectors.”

These key statistics from leading reports highlight the real-world challenges and opportunities shaping today’s cybersecurity landscape. 

Organisations using AI in their security operations saved $1.9 million USD on average in breach containment

This is according to IBM and the Ponemon Institute’s Cost of a Data Breach Report, which also stated that the rapid integration of AI has created both defensive advantages and new vulnerabilities. The average global data breach cost reached $4.4 million USD, a 9% reduction due to faster detection and response.

However, many businesses and brands still lack governance and control over these systems.

97% of organisations with AI-related incidents lacked proper AI access controls

Furthermore, 63% had no AI governance policy to prevent unapproved “shadow AI,” according to the same IBM report.

66% of organisations expect AI to transform cybersecurity

Meanwhile, the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 found that although 66% of organisations expect AI to transform cybersecurity, only 37% have processes to assess AI tool security before deployment.

47% of organisations identify generative AI as a key concern in the evolving threat landscape

Generative AI has powered new phishing and social engineering strategies that are driving up global risk levels, according to the same WEF Outlook 2025 report.

Phishing and social engineering attacks are on the rise

Furthermore, WEF reported that 42% experienced a spike in phishing and social engineering attacks. This aligns with findings from the UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025, which stated that phishing affected 85% of businesses and 86% of charities.

The average cost per disruptive breach in the UK reached £1,600 for businesses and £3,240 for charities

This is still according UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025, which may not look like much, but if you look at the bigger picture, it is still alarming. CompTIA projects global cybercrime costs to surpass $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, growing about 10% year over year.

Two-thirds of organisations in the UK report a moderate-to-critical cybersecurity skills gap, up 8% year-on-year

This is according to the same UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025, highlighting the need for IT professionals, specifically in the cyber security space. This validates many people who consider cybersecurity a good career path.

The global cybersecurity market was worth $180.47 billion in 2025, expected to rise to $197.25 billion in 2026, and projected to reach $439.86 billion by 2035

This is according to Business Research Insights. The sector will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3% from 2025 to 2035.

Adoption of cloud-based security reached 47%, while 42% of organisations integrated AI-driven security tools

However, 29% of SMEs struggle with high implementation costs, and 24% face budgetary limitations, according to the same Business Research Insights report.

74% of CEOs doubt the ability of their businesses to effectively reduce cyberattack damage

Leadership concern about cybersecurity readiness remains high, as per Accenture’s Cyber Resilience. 

33% of cloud-related breaches stem from phishing and adversary-in-the-middle (AiTM) tactics

IBM’s X-Force 2025 Threat Intelligence Index highlights breaches stemming from phishing and adversary-in-the-middle (AiTM) tactics.

Invest in Cybersecurity training

2026 is a year of dual realities: greater innovation and greater exposure. Understanding the data behind these trends helps cybersecurity experts anticipate where risks are evolving and how to meet them head-on.

Investing in cybersecurity education has never been more critical. Stay ahead of emerging threats and build the expertise your organisation needs. Businesses that stay ahead are the businesses that win.

At Firebrand, we partner with the world’s leading vendors to bring you the latest cybersecurity courses, complete with immersive simulations to test your knowledge in real-world settings and always with the time to reflect and revise to pass industry-recognised certifications.

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