Why 2026 will redefine risk and opportunity
The Start Tech team shares their predictions for the year ahead as AI, cyber security and IT pressures collide. These predictions focus on the real risks and opportunities that businesses face. Cyber security threats are accelerating as attackers adopt AI faster than the businesses they are targeting. Business leaders must rethink trust, resilience and readiness across their entire operations.
Here are the 2026 predictions from the team…
Ian Groves, Managing Director:
“In 2026, we will see a noticeable rise in cyber security incidents similar to the JLR attack, as threat actors harness AI more effectively than most organisations. Supply chain risk will also move sharply up the agenda. More businesses will be required to show clear evidence of robust cyber security before winning contracts, which will make frameworks such as Cyber Essentials increasingly necessary rather than optional.“
Lewis Hardie, New Business Development:
“Companies will be more demanding of their supply chain. Your suppliers and your clients are going to be asking you more questions about your cyber security.“
Sam Payne, Professional Services Manager:
“2026 will see early adoption for everyday use of AI, removing those mundane everyday tasks by using AI in your workflows.“
Josh Upton, Compliance & Automation:
“I predict there will be a lot more sophisticated cyber attacks with the use of AI and vibe coding. You’re going to see a lot more convincing emails and websites, so there’s a lot more to be careful about. But I hope the tools will keep up with developments so we can stay ahead of it.“
Chris Walker, Finance & Contracts Coordinator:
“Hardware sales, laptops and RAM are going to significantly increase by 10-15%, which will make hardware distribution and ordering significantly harder.“
Kieran Jones, Account Manager:
“I think there’s going to be so much focus around AI and getting AI into your business that if your house isn’t in order from a cyber security point of view, we could see a big rise in breaches.“
Sam Webster, Service Desk Technician:
“I think we’re going to see a bigger move into zero trust, from a basic security standpoint. We’ve been hung up on MFA as being the minimum requirement for the past couple of years – it’s just not enough anymore. We need to do a lot more as businesses and get more people moving into a zero trust model.“
Planning with confidence for the year ahead
Start Tech brings certified cyber security expertise alongside experience in managed IT and AI integration. We can provide strategic support that strengthens protection whilst unlocking smarter ways of working. As January marks planning season, it’s a great time to partner with us. We can help you map out a resilient, future-focused IT strategy for the year ahead. Get in touch to set up a chat to find out more.
