Insights, context, and opportunities for growth in an era of accelerated cyber risk
Each year, CrowdStrike’s Global Threat Report sets the tone for how security professionals and technology partners understand the evolving cyber threat landscape. The 2026 edition, based on data and observations from 2025, highlights not just escalating adversary capabilities, but the imperative for partners to evolve how they position, deliver, and support modern security solutions.
AI is rewriting the rules of attack and defence
- AI automates reconnaissance, credential theft, evasion tactics, and social engineering.
- Threat actors exploit legitimate AI tools to generate malicious commands and steal data.
Security solutions that rely on static rules or signature detection are no longer enough. Partners must position platforms and services that harness AI defensively — including real-time behavioural analytics, automated threat hunting, and adaptive response capabilities.
Speed and stealth now define the threat lifecycle
Adversaries are moving away from high-noise attacks toward stealthy, low-visibility compromise techniques.
Traditional periodic scanning and slow SIEM-centric workflows fall short. Clients need continuous, automated detection and response. This creates strong opportunity for MDR and XDR services.
Cross-domain attacks are rising
While endpoints remain critical, identity systems, SaaS applications, cloud workloads, and unmanaged edge devices are now core battlegrounds.
- Attackers bypass monitored endpoints
- Identity systems are primary targets
- Visibility gaps enable lateral movement
Security must extend beyond endpoint protection. Zero-trust architectures, identity protection, and unified telemetry across environments are essential.
Malware-free attacks are increasingly dominant
Attacks increasingly rely on credential abuse, lateral movement, and living-off-the-land tactics that evade signature-based tools.
Security must be behavioural and context-driven. Machine learning, user behaviour analytics, and identity protection must replace legacy antivirus positioning.
Strategic implications for go-to-market and positioning
- Demand for smarter security: Customers want intelligent, automated protection.
- Managed services growth: MDR, XDR, and compliance services will expand.
- Advisory opportunity: Organisations need strategic guidance beyond tools.
- Recurring revenue: Subscription and managed services align with predictable growth.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Global Threat Report isn’t just a recap of last year’s attacks. It’s a roadmap of where adversaries are investing — and where opportunity lies for those who move faster.
- Shift from legacy detection to AI-driven automated security
- Prioritise identity-centric and cloud-aware solutions
- Expand into MDR, consulting, and managed cloud security
- Educate customers on adaptive defence strategies
In 2026 and beyond, partners who help customers stay ahead of stealthy, AI-powered threats will be the ones who thrive.
Reach Out to Our CrowdStrike Team
Want to explore how these insights translate into real opportunity for your business?
crowdstrike_uk@ignition-technology.com
Our team is ready to help you navigate AI-driven threats, cross-domain security, and managed detection opportunities.
