HP security leaders have shared their outlook for 2026, highlighting how cyber threats are expected to evolve across identity security, AI-driven attacks, hardware vulnerabilities, and quantum computing readiness. The predictions point toward a more automated, AI-powered threat landscape where traditional defenses may no longer be enough.
One major shift expected in 2026 is the rise of cookie and token theft. As multi-factor authentication (MFA) becomes more widespread, attackers are moving away from stealing passwords and instead targeting session cookies and authentication tokens. According to HP, this tactic allows threat actors to bypass MFA protections and gain immediate access to sensitive systems. The risk is particularly severe for privileged users such as system administrators who access high-value platforms like EntraID, InTune, or AWS web portals. HP warns that enterprises will need stronger isolation measures and advanced application security verification to mitigate these risks.
AI is also set to play a larger role in cybercrime. HP researchers predict organized crime groups will increasingly rely on AI agents to automate reconnaissance, victim profiling, and even vulnerability discovery. Rather than using AI solely for phishing content, attackers are expected to leverage advanced language models to scale and streamline complex attack workflows. As AI-assisted campaigns become more efficient, organizations will need to prioritize rapid threat containment and isolation rather than relying purely on detection tools.
Physical attacks on devices are another growing concern. With hybrid work becoming the norm, employees frequently use devices in public spaces such as cafés, hotels, and shared offices. This increased mobility creates more opportunities for tampering. HP expects exploitation kits and physical attack techniques to become cheaper and more accessible, allowing attackers to compromise hardware, extract data, or even disable devices entirely. In response, companies are encouraged to adopt hardware-level protections, firmware integrity safeguards, and stronger zero-trust authentication strategies.
After several high-profile incidents involving connected devices, HP believes organizations will finally take IoT, edge, and print security more seriously in 2026. Printers, in particular, have often been overlooked in enterprise security strategies, leaving them vulnerable to remote takeovers, outdated firmware, and misconfigurations. Moving forward, businesses are expected to demand continuous monitoring and automated compliance tools for endpoint devices, including print fleets.
Quantum resistance is also becoming a pressing issue. Following new NIST standards for quantum-resistant cryptography, HP predicts that government agencies and critical infrastructure providers will accelerate their transition plans. With RSA-2048 expected to be deprecated by 2030 and broader cryptographic changes by 2035, vendors may soon be required to embed quantum-resistant algorithms directly into hardware. As hardware lifecycles often span several years, devices purchased from 2026 onward could still be in use when quantum-capable threats emerge, making early preparation essential.
Finally, HP expects enterprise security to shift toward a more unified, data-centric approach. Instead of relying on fragmented identity systems and perimeter-based controls, organizations will focus on embedding identity, governance, and persistent access controls directly into data throughout its lifecycle. Provenance tracking and continuous oversight will become increasingly important, particularly in the age of AI, where transparency and trust are critical.
Overall, HP security 2026 predictions suggest that organizations must move beyond reactive defense strategies. As threats grow more automated, distributed, and persistent, businesses will need stronger hardware security, deeper AI resilience, quantum-ready infrastructure, and tighter identity governance to secure the future of work.
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