As we head into 2026, the cybersecurity landscape is witnessing a significant shift, with agentic AI emerging as a prominent target for cybercriminals. A recent poll has revealed that a majority of cybersecurity professionals believe the risks associated with agentic AI will dominate security concerns.
Agentic AI: The Next Cyber Target
According to the poll, nearly 48% of cybersecurity experts anticipate that agentic AI will become the top attack vector for cybercriminals and nation-state threats by the end of 2026. This expectation comes as organizations increasingly adopt agentic AI technologies for various applications, including predictive maintenance, smart manufacturing, and enhanced operational efficiency. However, this rush to integrate such technologies raises significant security concerns.
Rik Turner, a cybersecurity analyst, emphasizes the importance of addressing the expanded attack surface created by agentic AI. He warns that developers rushing to deploy agentic AI may inadvertently introduce vulnerabilities due to insecure coding practices. The introduction of open-source AI agents and "shadow AI"—tools that employees may use without oversight—compounds these risks.
Deepfakes as a Growing Threat
Another alarming trend highlighted in the poll is the rise of deepfakes. Around 29% of respondents believe that deepfake technology will become a primary method for cyber attackers targeting high-profile individuals, including executives and government officials. While deepfakes have been a concern since the advent of advanced AI technologies, they gained traction in 2025, becoming a more mainstream tactic for cybercriminals.
Turner notes the evolution of deepfakes, referencing past incidents, such as a notorious case in Hong Kong involving a fraudulent video call with a bogus CFO. As deepfake technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, organizations need to prioritize rapid detection and response strategies to mitigate these threats.
Cyber Risk: A Board-Level Priority
In a surprising finding, 13% of survey respondents indicated that recognizing cyber risk as a Tier 1 operational priority for boards is likely to gain traction in 2026. While this figure may seem low, it reflects a growing awareness among executives about the potential risks associated with cyber threats.
Experts like Amy Worley express cautious optimism about this trend. She suggests that the rise of agentic AI may prompt boards to take cybersecurity more seriously, especially as these technologies become integral to decision-making processes within organizations. However, the need for dedicated budget allocations and strategic foresight remains critical to effectively address these vulnerabilities.
Challenges of Password Elimination
On the front of password security, only 10% of respondents believe that the elimination of passwords and the adoption of passkeys will become standard practice. While the conversation around stronger authentication methods continues, many organizations remain hesitant to fully transition away from traditional password systems.
Experts warn that this reluctance poses significant risks, particularly as agentic systems proliferate across enterprises. Adam Etherington notes that major software vendors are increasingly incorporating agentic capabilities into their platforms, which necessitates a corresponding evolution in security measures to keep pace with emerging threats.
Conclusion
As 2026 approaches, the cybersecurity landscape is set for transformative changes, with agentic AI and deepfake technology at the forefront of emerging threats. Organizations must prioritize securing these technologies and recognize the critical role of cybersecurity at the board level. With increased awareness and proactive measures, businesses can better navigate the complexities of the evolving digital threat landscape.
Source: Dark Reading News