Data is one of the most important assets for businesses, and with the ever-changing landscape of technology, we’ve researched what is coming down the pipeline. Here are key predictions for data security in 2026.
AI is the Backbone of Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
AI-driven DLP solutions will advance significantly and become the core of DLP. This is due to AI becoming smarter and more aware of context based on behavior patterns. It will be able to reduce false positives, adjust permissions dynamically, predict gaps in security, and take immediate action, such as quarantining files or blocking suspicious transfers.
Cyberattacks Will Be Powered by AI
AI is already being used as a helpful tool for cybersecurity, but it is also a tool for hackers. Since AI can’t decipher if its actions are being used for malicious purposes, AI has supercharged hackers’ code to be faster and more sophisticated.
Encryption Overhauls
A breakthrough in quantum computing will accelerate encryption by leaps and bounds. This could make current encryption obsolete and archaic by comparison. While no one knows exactly when this will happen, recent advancements suggest it may come sooner than expected. Organizations that wait to upgrade their cryptographic systems could suffer breaches and compromise their data.
Consolidation of Tools
The sheer number of security tools has become overwhelming. Often, organizations are managing dozens of disconnected systems. This creates security concerns as gaps and blind spots grow. Already, we’re seeing AEC firms choose data solutions like Egnyte that consolidate security and collaboration into a unified platform for streamlined, adaptive protection.
Zero Trust Identity Will Be the Standard
Where you logged in from was once the default perimeter for access to a company’s software and data. By 2026, most companies will base permissions on identity, not location. This will require continuous authentication, behavioral biometrics, and a zero-trust framework. Sound cumbersome? With the right MSP, like radius180, these security checks can work with your employees, not against them.
The Bottom Line
The next few years will bring sweeping changes to data security, and AEC firms that don’t adapt will be left vulnerable. Now is the time to evaluate your firm’s strategy, reduce risk, and ensure you have the right partners in place. At radius180, we specialize in helping AEC firms secure their data while keeping operations seamless. Don’t wait until threats catch up—take action today.
