PwC’s 2026 Global Digital Trust Insights highlights AI, skills shortages, and quantum threats as top cybersecurity concerns.
Sheridan, WY, 27 October 2025 –Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a top focus for cybersecurity teams worldwide, with many companies increasing their investments to improve digital protection, according to PwC’s 2026 Global Digital Trust Insights Survey.
The report, based on feedback from 3,887 business and tech leaders in 72 countries, shows that AI security tools (36%) are the main spending priority for 2026. This is followed by cloud security (34%), network protection (28%), and data security (26%). Nearly 78% of organisation plan to raise their cybersecurity budgets in the coming year, and about a third expect an increase of 6–10%.
However, only 6% of cybersecurity leaders believe their companies are fully ready to handle all types of cyberattacks. Many still struggle with weak login systems (55%), outdated technology (45%), and supply chain risks (43%).
AI-powered security is growing quickly. About 48% of cybersecurity leaders are focusing on using AI for threat detection, and 35% are exploring advanced AI tools that can act and learn on their own. However, half (50%) of organizations say their teams lack the right knowledge to use AI effectively, and 41% report a shortage of skilled cyber professionals.
To close this gap, many companies are investing in AI and machine learning tools (53%), automated security systems (48%), and training or upskilling their cybersecurity staff (47%).
More organizations are also starting to measure the financial impact of cyberattacks, showing a shift toward understanding cyber risks in business terms. At the same time, quantum computing is becoming a major concern, with 49% of companies yet to take steps toward quantum resistant security.
PwC’s report highlights that both AI technology and human skills need to grow together face future cyber threats. It urges companies to improve teamwork between business leaders and cybersecurity experts, invest in continuous learning, and plan ahead to stay resilient in a changing digital world.