As we kick off 2026, the cybersecurity resolutions for 2026 are more critical than ever as the landscape continues to evolve rapidly. With AI integration accelerating, quantum computing threats on the horizon, and persistent challenges like team burnout and identity management, security leaders are setting ambitious goals to stay ahead.
A recent article on CSO Online highlighted resolutions from prominent CISOs and CSOs across various industries. These insights align closely with the proactive, resilience-focused approach we champion at Black Belt Secure. Drawing from their expertise, here are the key priorities shaping cybersecurity in 2026—and how businesses like yours can prepare.
1. Harnessing AI Defensively While Securing It: A Key Cybersecurity Resolution for 2026
AI dominated many leaders’ agendas. Cezary Piekarski (Group CISO at Standard Chartered) and Daniel Schatz (CISO at Qiagen) emphasized using AI for faster detection, automated response, and defending against AI-enabled threats. Meanwhile, Assaf Keren (CSO at Qualtrics) is embedding security directly into agentic AI products.
Conal Gallagher (CIO and CISO at Flexera) stressed gaining visibility over AI tool usage to prevent data leakage from shadow IT.
Our Take at Black Belt Secure: AI is a double-edged sword—powerful for threat hunting but a new attack vector. Our managed security services include AI-driven monitoring in our 24/7 SOC, helping clients automate detection without introducing unchecked risks as part of their cybersecurity resolutions for 2026.
2. Prioritizing Resilience and Architectural Discipline
Elliott Franklin (CISO at Fortitude Re) advocates shifting from reactive security to proactive resilience, with intentional design and dependency mapping in cloud environments.
Jan Bee (CISO at TeamViewer) echoes this by focusing on early breach detection over perfect prevention, emphasizing visibility and speed in hyperconnected ecosystems.
Our Take: Prevention alone isn’t enough. Through our Jutsu Program—a martial arts-inspired maturity framework—we help clients build layered resilience, from vulnerability management to tested incident response plans, aligning with top cybersecurity resolutions for 2026.
3. Strengthening Identity and Privilege Management
Both human and non-human identities are critical, as noted by Franklin and Schatz. With agentic AI proliferating, governing service accounts, APIs, and automation tools with the same rigor as user accounts is essential.
Our Take: Identity sprawl is a top breach cause. Black Belt Secure’s solutions include robust identity governance, ensuring least-privilege access across your environment to support your cybersecurity resolutions for 2026.
4. Preparing for Quantum Threats
Piekarski and Jon France (CISO at ISC2) urge developing quantum readiness plans, including cryptographic inventories and migrating to post-quantum algorithms.
Our Take: Quantum risks may seem distant, but preparation starts now. Our vCISO services include forward-looking risk assessments to future-proof your cryptography as a vital cybersecurity resolution for 2026.
5. Focusing on People, Communication, and Measurable Outcomes
France highlights protecting teams from burnout amid skills shifts. Bee calls for closing the communication gap with boards by translating threats into business impacts. Gallagher pushes for “outcomes, not vibes”—tying security spend to real ROI.
Our Take: Security is a people business. We provide fractional CISO expertise for board-ready reporting and strategic alignment, while prioritizing team wellbeing in our partnerships, rounding out effective cybersecurity resolutions for 2026.
Final Thoughts: Make 2026 the Year of Proactive Defense
These resolutions underscore a shift toward resilience, AI mastery, and strategic foresight. At Black Belt Secure, we’re committed to helping businesses achieve cyber mastery through our comprehensive MSSP services—from threat detection and compliance to disaster recovery and executive oversight.
Don’t wait for the next breach to test your readiness. Contact us today for a complimentary risk assessment and start progressing your cybersecurity belt level in 2026.
Ready to secure your digital dojo? Call us at 469-557-2007 or email <info@blackbeltsecure.com>.
Stay safe out there!
The Black Belt Secure Team https://blackbeltsecure.com
By Black Belt Secure Team
Defend Today, Thrive Tomorrow.