Cybersecurity is a top priority, but resources are still tight

One of the clearest findings from the report is the disconnect between strategic focus and operational capacity. A full 93% of respondents said cybersecurity is a top or major priority within their organization. Yet more than half reported having one or fewer full-time security staff.

This imbalance is reshaping how teams build and maintain their security programs. Smaller organizations often rely on a blend of IT, engineering, and leadership roles to cover core responsibilities, while larger companies are expanding their security functions but still navigating complex operational and regulatory demands.

Budget trends reinforce this picture. Most organizations increased cybersecurity spending in 2025, but three quarters still allocate 15% or less of their annual budget to security and compliance. This leaves teams working hard to make progress without the headcount or financial flexibility they feel they need.

AI is reshaping both the threat landscape and defensive strategies

AI continues to be one of the most influential forces in cybersecurity heading into 2026. More than half of survey respondents cited AI powered attacks as a top concern, particularly deepfakes, automated phishing, and adaptive malware.

At the same time, organizations are increasingly adopting AI to strengthen their own programs. One in three respondents said they are already using generative AI or AI powered tools to support evidence collection, policy development, risk assessments, and continuous monitoring.

AI is creating two simultaneous realities:

• The threat surface is expanding as attackers scale and personalize attacks with unprecedented speed.
• Security operations are modernizing as teams use AI to accelerate slow, repetitive work and gain visibility they could not achieve manually.

This duality is one of the major cybersecurity trends to watch in 2026. 

Manual work is still holding teams back

Despite all the attention on AI and automation, one of the most surprising findings is how much manual work still defines the daily reality for security and compliance teams.

Nearly one quarter of respondents identified audit preparation as their single biggest challenge heading into 2026. On average, teams spend about eight hours each week on compliance tasks, including collecting evidence, preparing documentation, and responding to customer questionnaires.

This creates real friction. Manual processes slow down audits, introduce inconsistencies across frameworks, and make year-round readiness harder to maintain. The data suggests that the companies making the most progress are the ones that centralize evidence, standardize their controls, and use automation to handle repetitive tasks.

Compliance has become a revenue driver

Another notable trend is how directly compliance now influences customer trust and revenue. Nearly half of respondents (47%) said a lack of compliance certification has delayed sales cycles, and 38% reported losing a deal or competitive bid because they could not provide the level of assurance buyers expect.

Compliance has shifted from a regulatory requirement to a business advantage. Enterprise buyers, partners, and investors increasingly require verifiable security documentation before moving forward with new vendors.

Organizations that can provide a clear, consistent, and up-to-date view of their security posture move faster and build trust more easily. Those without mature documentation or certifications face more scrutiny and slower deal cycles. The report includes additional benchmarks on trust centers, audit reports, RFP workflows, and the evolving expectations of security buyers.

Get the full 2026 Cybersecurity Benchmark Report

The full report includes dozens of cybersecurity benchmarks that help organizations understand where they stand today and where the industry is heading.

You’ll find a deeper analysis across:

• Emerging cybersecurity trends across industries
• Staffing and budget benchmarks
• Multi-framework maturity insights
• AI adoption and risk trends
• Customer trust and transparency expectations
• The true cost of non-compliance
• Best practices and recommendations for 2026

Download the 2026 Cybersecurity Benchmark Report to explore the complete findings and get a data-driven look at the forces shaping security and compliance programs today.