Global spending on information security continues to accelerate, with end-user investment expected to rise from $193 billion in 2024 to $213 billion in 2025, according to the latest forecast by Gartner. The market is projected to grow by a further 12.5% in 2026, reaching $240 billion, underscoring the sustained prioritization of cybersecurity despite economic headwinds and tighter IT budgets.
Gartner’s analysis points to a notable divergence in enterprise behavior: while many organizations are cautiously approaching new cybersecurity initiatives in the short term, long-term spending remains strong. Ruggero Contu, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner, attributes this resilience to several structural forces, including heightened threat levels, increasing regulatory pressure, rising awareness among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and expanding global defense expenditures.
Cloud adoption is reshaping the cybersecurity market, making software the fastest-growing segment. As enterprises transition from traditional on-premises infrastructure to dynamic, cloud-native environments, the nature of security threats continues to evolve. Tools such as cloud access security brokers (CASBs) and cloud security posture management (CSPM) platforms are becoming critical components of enterprise security architectures, enabling organizations to manage and monitor risks in distributed systems.
AI and Cybersecurity Strategies
The integration of artificial intelligence technologies is also exerting a significant influence on cybersecurity strategies. Generative AI (GenAI) in particular introduces new dimensions of risk, as it is increasingly used by both cybercriminals and internal systems. Organizations are now compelled to adopt more advanced, adaptive defense mechanisms capable of responding to these AI-driven threats.
Gartner’s data suggests that the cybersecurity sector will maintain strong growth momentum through 2026, as businesses adapt their strategies to a rapidly evolving digital and threat landscape. The convergence of cloud technologies, AI, and regulatory change is shaping a new era of enterprise security, where continuous investment is not optional, but essential.
