AI is accelerating. Threats are evolving. And the pressure on cybersecurity leaders has never been higher.
In this episode of ThinkCast, we explore the trends shaping 2026 — where AI adoption, agentic systems, and mounting regulation are pushing security programs to their limits and forcing CISOs to rethink how they operate and where they invest.
Gartner analysts Chiara Girardi and William Candrick break down the most critical shifts, from AI-powered social engineering and behavior risk, to automation in the Security Operations Center (SOC), postquantum urgency, and securing AI agents through modern identity strategies.
You’ll learn:
Intro to the Trends Shaping 2026
The 2026 Trends Framework: Three Peaks
GenAI Breaks Traditional Security Awareness Tactics
AI-Driven SOC Solutions Destabilize Operational Norms
Postquantum Moves From Theoretical Risk to Action Plans
IAM Adapts to Enable and Secure AI Agents
Chiara Girardi | Director Analyst
Chiara Girardi is a Research Director for the Cybersecurity Research team. She has led research studies in the area of cybersecurity budgets, securing agile workflows, and CISO effectiveness. Prior to Gartner, Chiara worked as a marketing
William Candrick | Sr Director Analyst
William Candrick is a Senior Director Analyst within Gartner's Cybersecurity practice. Mr. Candrick brings extensive experience researching cybersecurity management challenges, and advising CISOs and their teams on maturing cybersecurity pr
Hosted by: Karen Lockhart
Gartner ThinkCast puts you at the intersection of business and technology with insights from the top analysts on how to build a more successful organization, team and career in the digital era. Join us to get your competitive advantage.
Thank you for listening to Gartner ThinkCast. Please rate, review and share with your colleagues.
All content on Gartner ThinkCast is owned by Gartner and cannot be repurposed or reproduced without Gartner’s consent.
Gartner is an impartial, independent analyst and advisor. All content provided by other speakers is expressly the views of those speakers and their enterprises. The information on Gartner ThinkCast should not be construed as a Gartner endorsement of any enterprise’s products or services.
