The Future of Cybersecurity: Predictions on Identity and Data Security from Netwrix

Forecasting the Future of Cybersecurity: Insights by Netwrix

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has become paramount. Netwrix, a frontrunner in identity and data security solutions, has recently unveiled its security outlook for 2026-2029. This forecast sheds light on the evolving threats and trends that will shape the cybersecurity landscape in the coming years.

Growing Dependency on Identity and Data Security

The Netwrix Security Research Lab has identified that as agents of artificial intelligence become more prevalent, the risks associated with identity and data security will also increase. This interconnectivity suggests that mishaps in managing identity could lead to severe data exposure—making the relationship between identity and data security more crucial than ever.

Identity Automation's Role

By 2026, it is anticipated that automation will significantly enhance the workflows related to identity management, including provisioning, privilege management, and token validation. The lines between identity security and data protection will blur, requiring organizations to develop a unified approach to manage these complexities.

As adversaries shift their focus from individual credentials to more sophisticated manipulation of identity orchestration, organizations must address the vulnerabilities that arise from misconfigurations and ineffective automated workflows.

The Impact of Agentic AI

As AI systems begin to operate autonomously, understanding their identity usage and data access rights becomes essential. This development underscores the need for stringent identity governance and data control measures to mitigate the risk of data exposure exacerbated by AI activities. In a world where AI-driven automation operates continuously, ensuring the integrity of identity management is non-negotiable.

The Role of Cyber Insurance

Meanwhile, the increase in data exposure risks will prompt cyber insurers to evolve their assessment methods. Companies will likely see a shift from annual questionnaires to continuous validation of identity and data controls. Organizations demonstrating strong alignment between identity governance and data protection are poised to receive beneficial terms from insurers.

What Not to Expect in 2026

While AI is reshaping many facets of cybersecurity, the notion of fully autonomous, self-directing AI-driven cyberattacks remains largely unrealistic for 2026. Current state-sponsored campaigns show that while autonomy under certain conditions is indeed achievable, these initiatives often remain supervised by human operatives. The significant challenges and costs associated with implementing autonomous attacks in real-world settings will likely deter widespread adoption. Instead, evidence suggests that attackers will continue using AI to refine existing techniques rather than replacing human decision-making entirely.

The Road Ahead: 2027 and Beyond

In the years following 2026, the integration of AI within identity management is projected to deepen. AI agents are expected to connect various identity systems and data sources, enforcing governance models to ensure appropriate access levels as conditions change. As data begins to carry protection measures inherently, organizations must address potential fragmentation risks and ensure consistent policy enforcement.

Key Risks Emerging by 2028 and 2029

Looking further ahead, increased scrutiny around AI data management and the growing instability of AI vendors pose substantial risks to data continuity and security. The economic constraints may hinder investments in governance structures, leading to compliance gaps that organizations will need to vigilantly monitor and address.

As highlighted by Dirk Schrader, Netwrix’s Vice President of Security Research, the landscape of cyber threats is evolving—not just due to more sophisticated tools in the hands of attackers, but also because the fabric of identity security, data security, and automation is intricately woven together. Organizations that streamline their governance in these areas are better positioned to face the forthcoming challenges while underlining the necessity of vigilance in validating automated workflows.

For organizations and security teams looking to navigate this complex landscape, the insights from Netwrix provide a crucial roadmap for developing a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity in an age increasingly defined by automation and AI.