Matthew Rosenquist predicts defensive AI tools will finally deliver real benefits by Q3 2026. Security operations centers, firewalls, and product security teams will use AI to triage alerts faster, block social engineering, and patch vulnerabilities quicker, matching the pace attackers have already set.
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The most positive predictions on the list for 2026 is number 8. Defensive AI cybersecurity tools finally arrive. They have been in development, testing, and slowly rolled out to help feature optimization. And in 2026, we will finally see the cybersecurity teams truly benefit from AI enhancements at a meaningful level across the industry. This will be desperately needed as cyber attackers have benefited from adopting AI much sooner. Look towards Q3 for sufficient adoption to make a material difference across cybersecurity in offsetting the elevated risks from AI being used by attackers. Three areas will benefit first: security operations, firewalls, and product security. First off, security operations. These security features will help SOC analysts triage alerts to identify real problems, gather forensic data, and correlate information for faster response. Second, firewall web filters and access tools will improve in countering social engineering and lateral movement from infiltrators. The AI technology that attackers use to bypass traditional filters can also be used to counter those attacks, thereby preserving the effectiveness of those protections. Third, DevSecOps. These are the people who oversee the security of products. New AI tools will empower them to better identify and squash product vulnerabilities before release. In addition to more rapidly validating and patching vulnerabilities that are discovered after release. AI-powered tools will help offset at least some of the advantages that attackers will gain from their early adoption of AI. This will be the only beacon of good news in 2026 in cybersecurity and a needed reprieve from the advance of AI-powered attacks.
