AI is accelerating. Threats are evolving. And the pressure on cybersecurity leaders has never been higher.
In this episode of ThinkCast, we explore the trends shaping 2026 — where AI adoption, agentic systems, and mounting regulation are pushing security programs to their limits and forcing CISOs to rethink how they operate and where they invest.
Gartner experts Chiara Girardi and William Candrick break down the most critical shifts, from AI-powered social engineering and behavior risk, to automation in the Security Operations Center (SOC), postquantum urgency, and securing AI agents through modern identity strategies.
You’ll learn:
Intro to the Trends Shaping 2026
The 2026 Trends Framework: Three Peaks
GenAI Breaks Traditional Security Awareness Tactics
AI-Driven SOC Solutions Destabilize Operational Norms
Postquantum Moves From Theoretical Risk to Action Plans
IAM Adapts to Enable and Secure AI Agents
Chiara Girardi | Director Analyst
Chiara Girardi is a Research Director for the Cybersecurity Research team. She has led research studies in the area of cybersecurity budgets, securing agile workflows, and CISO effectiveness. Prior to Gartner, Chiara worked as a marketing analyst for Warner Brothers, focusing on the expansion of their streaming platform HBO Max. She has a PhD from Johns Hopkins University.
William Candrick | Sr Director Analyst
William Candrick is a Senior Director Analyst within Gartner's Cybersecurity practice. Mr. Candrick brings extensive experience researching cybersecurity management challenges, and advising CISOs and their teams on maturing cybersecurity practices. His areas of expertise include incident response, security awareness, security metrics, cyber deterrence, board reporting, cyber resilience, strategic planning, metrics, and security policies.
Hosted by: Karen Lockhart
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