The cybersecurity landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by escalating geopolitical conflicts and the integration of artificial intelligence into both offensive and defensive strategies. Recent events, like the cyberattacks against European infrastructure in 2025—including disruptions to air travel, alleged election interference, and even GPS spoofing incidents targeting high-profile officials—underscore the growing severity of these threats.
The Geopolitical Flashpoint: Expanding Cyber Operations
Cybersecurity is no longer a technical issue; it’s a core component of international power struggles. Reports from Forrester and Google Cloud predict a significant expansion of state-sponsored cyber operations in 2026, with actors from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea leading the charge.
China will likely continue cyber campaigns designed to strengthen its economic and political influence, particularly targeting the semiconductor industry, where competition with Taiwan and U.S. export restrictions are intensifying. Russia is expected to broaden its cyberattacks beyond Ukraine, focusing on long-term strategic goals like disinformation campaigns against Western nations, including interference in upcoming elections—a tactic already observed in Poland, Germany, and Moldova. Iran will likely amplify its cyber activity in the Middle East through deceptive news websites aligned with its interests.
To counter these threats, the European Union plans to establish a comprehensive database of known exploited vulnerabilities, aiming to improve intelligence sharing and coordination across borders.
AI Transforms the Cyber Battlefield
Artificial intelligence is poised to fundamentally alter both cyberattacks and defenses. Google and Fortinet highlight the emergence of AI agents capable of autonomous action, enabling attackers to scale operations without direct human intervention. This includes leveraging AI for novel attack methods like prompt injection (manipulating AI systems to bypass security protocols) and vishing (using AI-cloned voices to impersonate individuals for fraudulent purposes).
However, AI is also a defensive tool. Companies can leverage AI to analyze attacks, decode malicious code, and identify emerging tactics faster and more efficiently. This creates a dynamic arms race where both sides will increasingly rely on AI to gain an edge.
The Expanding Battlefield: Space-Based Cyber Warfare
The cyber domain is no longer limited to digital infrastructure; it extends to physical systems, including satellites. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) were heavily targeted in 2025, and Fortinet predicts this trend will intensify in 2026.
Attacks on satellites can take two primary forms: jamming (disrupting signals) and spoofing (transmitting fake signals). Spoofing can have catastrophic consequences, including misdirecting munitions, redirecting drones, or even causing aircraft to enter unauthorized airspace.
To mitigate these risks, Fortinet recommends strengthening encryption layers on satellite systems. As cyber warfare becomes standard practice, protecting space-based infrastructure will be critical for maintaining global stability.
Conclusion: Cybersecurity in 2026 will be defined by escalating geopolitical tensions and the pervasive integration of AI. Nations and organizations must adapt rapidly to this evolving threat landscape, prioritizing intelligence sharing, investing in robust defenses, and preparing for a future where cyber warfare is a constant reality.
