NordVPN’s cybersecurity experts are forecasting a surge in sophisticated cyberthreats for 2026, warning that the challenges will be “more sophisticated, faster, and harder to detect than any challenge we’ve faced in the past.” Their new research identifies five key cybersecurity risks expected to become increasingly prominent, extending beyond large corporations to target everyday internet users. This forecast highlights a growing fragility in the digital landscape, driven by over-dependence on a handful of dominant platforms like Amazon Web Services and Google Workspace. According to NordVPN, this isn’t a message designed to scare, but “a call to action” – to prepare, not panic – as we head into a potentially turbulent 2026.
Relying on a single ecosystem or service makes you more vulnerable
In 2026, a significant shift in personal cybersecurity practices will see individuals proactively minimising their digital exposure, driven by an escalating threat landscape. The convenience of consolidated digital ecosystems, like those offered by Google Drive or Microsoft Office, will increasingly be weighed against the inherent risks of single points of failure. Experts predict a growing awareness that concentrating sensitive information within one platform dramatically amplifies potential damage following a security breach. Diversification, therefore, won’t be merely recommended, but a core tenet of online self-preservation.
This year will see a surge in individuals undertaking comprehensive “digital footprint audits” as a preventative measure. Hackers, it is expected, will continue to prioritise abandoned accounts and outdated data, recognising these as vulnerable targets left largely unmonitored. The logic is simple: neglected digital assets present easier access points than actively defended, current systems. Consequently, a proactive approach to data hygiene will become paramount, with users urged to regularly assess and eliminate unnecessary online presence.
Looking ahead to 2026, the principle of ‘use it or lose it’ will extend beyond software subscriptions to encompass all aspects of online accounts and stored files. Individuals will be actively deleting accounts, files, and services no longer in use, recognizing that each retained item contributes to a larger, more exploitable digital footprint. As one cybersecurity professional notes, “Diversify what you need, and delete what you don’t.” This strategy acknowledges that minimising one’s online presence is as crucial as fortifying what remains. D-Wave predicts a growing understanding that a smaller digital footprint equates to a smaller attack surface.
While complete digital anonymity remains unrealistic for most, actively reducing the amount of personal data held online will become a widely adopted security practice. The emphasis will be on conscious data management, transitioning from passively accumulating digital traces to actively curating and minimising them, creating a more resilient and secure online existence.
Not everything you see online has your best interests at heart
Rather than solely relying on technical exploits, criminals will be actively employing influencers and sophisticated disinformation tactics to manipulate user habits. These campaigns are specifically designed to make practices like password reuse, disabling two-factor authentication, and ignoring privacy settings appear commonplace, fostering a dangerous sense of security through social proof. “Everyone’s doing it, so it must be fine,” is the insidious message they aim to convey, subtly eroding established cybersecurity best practices. Looking ahead, this year will witness a growing prevalence of seemingly benign content subtly promoting unsafe online habits.
Individuals should anticipate encountering influencers endorsing questionable products or services, potentially incentivised to push tools that compromise user security or offer misleading “shortcuts.” Offers appearing exceptionally attractive should immediately raise red flags, as these are frequently deployed to lure users into traps. D-Wave predicts a rise in the sophistication of these disinformation campaigns, moving beyond simple scams to subtly alter perceptions of online risk. This will involve the creation of seemingly authentic content that downplays the importance of strong security measures, making it harder for individuals to discern genuine advice from manipulative tactics.
Consequently, a comprehensive re-evaluation of trust online will be necessary, extending beyond established sources to scrutinise even seemingly credible voices.
Use AI tools wisely AI can be a powerful tool, but it comes with risks you can’t ignore
In 2026, the integration of artificial intelligence into daily life will necessitate a heightened awareness of associated security vulnerabilities, extending beyond traditional cybersecurity concerns. A key prediction centres on data privacy, as AI tools increasingly collect user information to refine their capabilities; this practice will create expanded attack surfaces for malicious actors. Individuals will need to carefully consider what data they share with AI-powered platforms, including chatbots and voice assistants, particularly those with unclear data handling policies. This growing reliance on AI means that exposure to privacy breaches and potential cyberattacks will become more prevalent if preventative measures aren’t adopted.
Looking ahead, the threat landscape will evolve with AI itself becoming a weapon, targeting individuals who haven’t prioritised basic digital hygiene. Regular software and device updates will prove crucial, functioning as essential security fortifications against these emerging, sophisticated attacks. “While AI chatbots are useful tools, it’s important to be mindful of your privacy and security when using them so that you don’t become a target for cybercriminals,” says Marijus Briedis, a cybersecurity expert at NordVPN. This year will see a significant increase in the sophistication of these AI-driven threats, demanding proactive rather than reactive security strategies.
D-Wave predicts a surge in attacks targeting neglected digital accounts, as these present easier entry points for exploitation than heavily defended, actively used systems. This isn’t merely about protecting active accounts, but a broader recognition that all digital assets – even seemingly abandoned ones – require attention. The potential for data compromise extends beyond direct financial loss, encompassing reputational damage and identity theft, making a holistic approach to digital security paramount. This year will also see a rise in individuals actively taking steps to fortify their “digital footprint,” driven by a growing understanding of the risks.
Protecting sensitive information will be less about reacting to incidents and more about building resilient digital ecosystems, where data is carefully managed and access is strictly controlled. A key takeaway for 2026 is that responsible AI usage demands constant vigilance and a proactive approach to cybersecurity.
Strengthening how you log into your accounts is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself
Increased sophistication in hacking techniques is driving this change, demanding more robust defenses than passwords alone can provide. MFA fundamentally alters the risk profile, making it considerably more difficult for malicious actors to access accounts even with compromised credentials. This proactive approach will be crucial as cyber threats continue to evolve and target increasingly sensitive personal data. Looking ahead, individuals will increasingly rely on dedicated tools to manage the complexity of strong, unique passwords. If “keeping track of your passwords feels overwhelming, invest in a trusted password manager like NordPass,” according to guidance emphasizing the benefits of such solutions.
These tools not only generate robust passwords but also securely store them, alleviating the burden on users and minimizing the risk of password reuse – a critical vulnerability. The adoption of these password managers is expected to rise sharply as awareness of digital security best practices grows. This year will see a heightened emphasis on verifying the legitimacy of digital communications before engaging with them.
Individuals will be urged to exercise extreme caution before clicking links, responding to emails, or reacting to emotionally charged requests. “Be cautious before clicking on any link, responding to unexpected emails, or reacting to emotional pleas,” the guidance warns, highlighting the prevalence of phishing and social engineering attacks. Verifying requests independently – by contacting institutions directly or checking official websites – will become a standard practice for discerning legitimate communications from malicious attempts. D-Wave predicts a future where proactive verification and robust authentication are not simply recommended, but integral to maintaining a secure digital life.
The focus will move beyond reactive measures – patching vulnerabilities after attacks – towards preventative strategies that minimize the attack surface in the first place. This paradigm shift reflects a growing understanding that personal cybersecurity is an ongoing process, demanding constant vigilance and adaptation.
Quantum computing may seem like a futuristic concept, but the risks it poses are very real and growing
Quantum computing, despite its seemingly distant timeline, presents an escalating and tangible threat to current digital security protocols. Looking ahead to 2026, a significant shift in cyberattack sophistication is anticipated, with criminals leveraging advanced artificial intelligence alongside the emerging power of quantum technology. NordVPN has already begun addressing this challenge, introducing post-quantum encryption for users across Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS platforms – including television devices – beginning in early 2025. This encryption is activated with a simple toggle switch, functioning automatically whenever a connection is established via the NordLynx protocol. This proactive move acknowledges that while quantum encryption standards are still under development, incremental steps taken now are crucial for future data protection. The company emphasizes that this isn’t simply about technical upgrades, but a broader societal issue, as the lines between physical and digital realms continue to dissolve. “As the borders between the physical and digital worlds blur, cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue but a societal one,” said Adrianus Warmenhoven. He further explains this shift requires a focus on “digital hygiene, cultivating good security habits,” rather than solely on digital literacy. The need for improved digital habits will be especially critical in 2026, as attackers deploy increasingly deceptive tactics. NordVPN highlights the current imbalance in digital education, comparing it to teaching a child to use technology without instilling essential security practices. This year will likely see a growing emphasis on fostering those practices, moving beyond simply knowing how to use devices to understanding how to protect the data they contain. Ultimately, proactive preparation is key. The Global Risks Report by Mark Elsner, Grace Atkinson, and Saadia Zahidi (2025) underscores the urgency of addressing these evolving threats. NordVPN’s approach, with its readily available post-quantum encryption, is designed to empower individuals to stay one step ahead, safeguarding not only their data but also their overall peace of mind in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
World Economic Forum
In 2026, the digital realm will increasingly reflect anxieties highlighted by the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2025, with a notable shift in how individuals approach their online presence. Looking ahead, the sheer volume of abandoned or neglected online accounts is expected to become a significant vulnerability, creating readily exploitable entry points for malicious actors. This isn’t simply a matter of isolated incidents; the interconnectedness of digital ecosystems means a compromised account can quickly cascade into broader security breaches. “Whether you’re browsing, working, or gaming, protect your privacy with NordVPN,” suggests a focus on proactive digital self-defense.
D-Wave predicts a surge in individuals undertaking what’s termed “digital footprint” management – a comprehensive assessment and securing of all online accounts, even those seemingly inactive. The World Economic Forum’s report underscores that this isn’t about reacting to threats, but preemptively minimizing attack surfaces. Violeta Lyskoit, a copywriter focused on online safety, emphasizes the core principle: “You deserve to feel safe online,” a sentiment likely to drive increased consumer demand for robust cybersecurity tools. The implications extend beyond individual users, impacting businesses and critical infrastructure.
Expect to see a heightened awareness of the risks associated with concentrating sensitive information within single platforms, even convenient ones. While the report doesn’t explicitly name specific companies, the trend points toward a desire for greater control over personal data and a move away from relying solely on large tech providers for security. This will likely manifest in increased adoption of decentralized technologies and a demand for greater transparency in data handling practices. Ultimately, the World Economic Forum’s assessment suggests that digital resilience in 2026 won’t be a luxury, but a necessity.
The convergence of escalating cyber threats and the proliferation of vulnerable digital assets is creating a perfect storm, demanding a fundamental shift in how individuals and organizations approach online security. The report’s findings signal that the focus is shifting from simply responding to attacks to actively reducing the potential for them, through diligent management of one’s digital life.
