As we kick off the first week of 2026, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the cybersecurity lessons of 2025. From ransomware attacks to supply chain breaches and the emerging misuse of AI in operational technology (OT), last year reminded us that cyber threats are evolving faster than ever.
Key Lessons from 2025
- Ransomware Evolution: Double-extortion tactics and targeted attacks on critical infrastructure proved that incident response and robust backups are essential.
- Supply Chain Security: High-profile breaches highlighted the importance of monitoring vendors and securing every link in the chain.
- AI in OT: As AI becomes more embedded in industrial systems, attackers are finding ways to exploit IT-OT connections. Governance, monitoring, and anomaly detection are now critical.
Best Practices for 2026
- Adopt a proactive, resilience-focused cybersecurity strategy.
- Apply Zero Trust principles across IT and OT systems.
- Continuously train employees to recognize phishing, deepfakes, and social engineering attacks.
- Conduct simulations for ransomware and AI misuse.
- Audit your cryptography and prepare for quantum risks.
2026 is not just about defense – it’s about building a cyber-resilient culture. Lessons from 2025 give us the insight to act faster, respond smarter, and thrive despite evolving threats.
Author
Tibor Luter
SOC DIRECTOR
Tibor Luter is the SOC Director at Black Cell and has been leading the CSIRT team since its formation in 2015. Tibor is also responsible for expanding the SOC’s technical capabilities and services in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
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