5 network security predictions for 2026

With the end of 2025 quickly approaching, it's time to look forward to 2026 and explore some key themes security leaders should be aware of to help focus their efforts.

In reviewing my 2025 predictions, one that exceeded my expectations was Palo Alto Networks' acquisition of CyberArk. In December 2024 I wrote, "For both zero trust and SASE, integrations with identity providers are critical. Privileged access management has become a core use case for many zero-trust network access vendors. Ultimately, I could see a scenario where a network security vendor looks at the identity market and decides there's enough opportunity to take a chance." I'm not sure I had a $25 billion acquisition in mind when I wrote that.

So, what's in store for the upcoming year? Unsurprisingly, AI has at least a mention across all my predictions for 2026. Which isn't to say it ...