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Cybersecurity Trends in 2026: Shadow AI, Quantum & Deepfakes

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jU-mLMV8Vw

Creator: IBM Technology

Expert: Jeff Crume, PhD, CISSP

Date Published: December 29, 2025

Duration: 20 minutes 28 seconds

Overview

This comprehensive technical briefing explores the critical cybersecurity threats and trends expected to emerge and intensify throughout 2026. Rather than focusing on positive developments, cybersecurity expert Jeff Crume from IBM Technology emphasizes the urgent negative threats organizations must prepare for in the coming year. The trends center on three primary areas: Shadow AI, Quantum Computing threats, and Deepfakes.

Trend 1: Shadow AI and Unmanaged AI Security Risks

The Problem: Shadow AI

Shadow AI refers to AI systems and implementations operating within organizations without proper governance, security oversight, or management approval.

Key Findings:

  • Organizations deploy AI solutions without formal AI governance or security policies
  • 60% of organizations lack an AI governance or security policy to guard against Shadow AI
  • Shadow AI contributes significantly to additional costs when data breaches occur
  • These unmanaged systems create security vulnerabilities that attackers exploit

Why Shadow AI is a Critical Threat

  1. Lack of Security Controls

    • No standardized security practices
    • No monitoring or threat detection
    • Vulnerable to exploitation and data exfiltration

  2. Compliance and Governance Failures

    • Systems operate outside regulatory frameworks
    • No accountability for data handling
    • Increases breach response costs and liability

  3. Accelerating Attack Surface

    • AI creates new vectors for attacks
    • Rapid deployment without security assessment
    • Difficult to inventory and manage

  4. Quantum Computing Threats & Post-Quantum Cryptography

  • Quantum computers will break current encryption standards
  • Organizations must transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC)
  • Urgent need to inventory and protect sensitive encrypted data
  • RSA-2048 and similar algorithms become obsolete
  1. AI-Generated Deepfakes & Synthetic Media Attacks
  • Deepfakes used for social engineering and fraud
  • Facial recognition systems vulnerable to synthetic attacks
  • Difficulty distinguishing authentic from fabricated content
  • Trust in digital verification systems eroding

Key Recommendations for Organizations

Immediate Actions:

  • Implement AI governance frameworks and security policies
  • Conduct shadow AI audits and inventory unmanaged systems
  • Deploy advanced threat detection systems
  • Establish data protection controls for AI-generated content

Strategic Initiatives:

  • Begin post-quantum cryptography migration planning
  • Develop AI security incident response procedures
  • Invest in advanced authentication mechanisms
  • Build resilience against AI-enabled attacks

Conclusion

The cybersecurity landscape of 2026 demands a proactive, multi-layered approach. Organizations must urgently address shadow AI, strengthen compliance frameworks, implement quantum-safe cryptography, and prepare for AI-driven threats. The intersection of AI capabilities and cybersecurity vulnerabilities creates unprecedented risks that require immediate strategic intervention and continuous adaptation. Failure to act will expose organizations to catastrophic security breaches, regulatory penalties, and loss of competitive advantage.

December 31, 2025 ∙