Samsung SDS Highlights Key Cybersecurity Risks for 2026
As cybersecurity threats evolve, experts anticipate that the landscape of cyber risks for enterprises will become increasingly complex and difficult to manage by 2026. To help organizations prepare, Samsung SDS has released a comprehensive assessment detailing the five most significant cybersecurity risks that businesses should be vigilant against this year.
Through a detailed analysis of both domestic and international incidents from the previous year, Samsung has identified trends that merit attention. The report emphasizes the following pressing concerns: AI-based security threats, ransomware, cloud security vulnerabilities, phishing and account takeovers, and overarching data security threats.
To substantiate its conclusions, Samsung SDS conducted a survey involving 667 IT and security professionals—including practitioners, managers, and executives within Korea. The feedback garnered from this group has led the company to propose tailored countermeasures specific to each identified risk category.
AI at the Center of Cybersecurity Threats
The report highlights that generative AI and AI agents are at the core of emerging cybersecurity threats for 2026. As AI systems transition to more autonomous functioning, the risks associated with over-delegation and misuse of privileges become notably heightened. Samsung SDS warns that AI agents with excessive permissions could result in serious vulnerabilities, enabling pathways for data exfiltration, unauthorized transactions, and even significant system damage.
To mitigate these threats, the company underscores the critical importance of adhering to the principle of least privilege when granting access to AI systems. For high-risk operations—such as information modification or payment processing—Samsung SDS recommends the implementation of real-time monitoring alongside anomaly detection tools known as AI Guardrails. These guardrails act as controls that are designed to keep AI systems functioning within predetermined safety boundaries. Similar to physical guardrails that protect vehicles from veering off course, AI Guardrails are intended to block harmful outputs and trigger necessary user approval workflows when anomalies are detected.
Yong-min Chang, Vice President and Leader of the Security Business Team at Samsung SDS, explains, “The proliferation of AI and AI agents will amplify new security threats, including phishing, data exfiltration, and attacks targeting AI usage environments. These threats cannot be fully addressed through traditional security means alone.” He asserts that organizations must transition to security infrastructures that leverage AI for proactive approaches to monitoring, detection, and blocking actions.
Evolving Ransomware and Cloud Security Risks
Ransomware continues to pose a significant threat, evolving into what Samsung describes as “quadruple extortion” tactics. This new wave of cyberattacks unfolds through a sequence of malicious actions including:
- Encrypting sensitive corporate data.
- Threatening to leak stolen information if demands are not met.
- Executing distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks to cripple services.
- Applying pressure on customers, partners, and even media outlets connected to the targeted organizations.
In response to these sophisticated threats, Samsung advises organizations to establish robust backup systems for early recovery and normalization after an attack. Additionally, implementing a phased incident response is crucial, incorporating strategies for pre-execution blocking of malicious code, anomaly detection, containment, analysis, and recovery procedures. Regular employee training and unannounced drills are also emphasized, as they are fundamental to ensuring operational readiness against potential ransomware incidents.
Cloud security threats are another major concern, particularly as many enterprises transition their IT operations to cloud environments. Misconfigurations remain a leading cause of security breaches, stemming from excessive storage sharing, poorly managed authentication, and unchanged default settings. Samsung SDS advocates for the continuous monitoring of cloud environments through the deployment of Cloud-Native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPP). These systems offer real-time visibility into account permissions and automated detection trends, focusing on remediating insecure settings such as public exposure or insufficient encryption.
Phishing, Account Takeovers, and Data Security Threats
Phishing and account takeover attacks are increasingly central to the cybersecurity issues enterprises will face in 2026. Rather than targeting individuals, contemporary phishing campaigns are designed to infiltrate entire organizations. Attackers aim to achieve unauthorized network access, exfiltrate sensitive data, deploy ransomware, and set the stage for supply chain attacks.
Consequently, the repercussions of such attacks can be extensive, leading to personal data breaches, service interruptions, financial loss, and reputational damage. Samsung also stresses that privileges granted to AI systems—including chatbots and AI agents—must be rigorously controlled. The implementation of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all access to enterprise systems, along with integrated management of accounts and access policies, is a critical recommendation.
Lastly, the report identifies data security threats as a final major risk. These threats often arise from inadequate protective measures such as single-factor authentication and excessive privileges granted to users. Samsung SDS recommends the establishment of action-based access controls that monitor irregular behaviors, like large file downloads or logins during odd hours. Furthermore, evaluations of the security measures employed by suppliers and partners should form an integral part of enterprises’ risk management strategies.
In summary, Samsung SDS has illuminated key cybersecurity risks for 2026, urging organizations to implement robust and innovative defenses to combat the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. As these challenges grow, enterprises must adapt their security frameworks to enhance their resilience against increasingly sophisticated attacks.