Are We Ready for 2026? Top Cyber Predictions on Policy, Tech, and Threats

Описание: Welcome to the 100th episode of Cyber Focus! To mark this milestone, we asked 11 Senior Fellows at the McCrary Institute for their top predictions for 2026.
In this special compilation, our experts break down the future into three critical categories: Policy, Technology, and Threats. From the reauthorization of CISA 2015 and the "haves and have-nots" of cyber speed, to the rise of deepfake social engineering and the looming specter of the "next Typhoon," this episode provides a comprehensive roadmap for the years ahead.

Key Topics Discussed:
• Policy: US-China relations, legislative gridlock, and the push for offensive cyber capabilities.
• Technology: The convergence of critical infrastructure, AI’s role in defense vs. offense, and the race to 6G and Quantum.
• Threats: Tech debt in encryption, the speed of ransomware, and protecting the 2026 World Cup.

00:00 - Intro: 100th Episode Special

Part 1: Policy in 2026
01:00 - Bob Kolasky: US-China Trade & Security
01:33 - Matt Hayden: Legislative Gridlock & Non-Policy Risks
02:23 - Lauren Goldman: Reauthorizing CISA 2015
03:24 - Mike D'Ambrosio: Public-Private Collaboration
04:05 - Christopher Roberti: A More Aggressive US Posture
04:43 - Cheri Caddy: The Time for Operational Technology (OT)
06:04 - Bill Evanina: Data Privacy, AI & IoT

Part 2: Technology in 2026
06:41 - Laura Galante: Convergence & Connectivity
07:16 - Matt Hayden: The Speed of Defense
08:08 - Lauren Goldman: Scaling Attacks with AI Tools
08:44 - Mike D'Ambrosio: AI Integration in Business
09:12 - Bob Kolasky: Smart Infrastructure Build-out
09:52 - Bill Evanina: 6G, Quantum, & Energy

Part 3: Threats in 2026
10:46 - Ali King: Encryption & Tech Debt
11:32 - Anna Sarnek: Fundamentals & Protect Surface
12:43 - Cynthia Kaiser: Deepfakes & Ransomware Speed
14:07 - Matt Hayden: Identity & Edge Devices
15:04 - Mike D'Ambrosio: Complex Cyber-Enabled Fraud
15:35 - Lauren Goldman: Protecting the World Cup
16:31 - Bob Kolasky: China as a Strategic Adversary
17:00 - Bill Evanina: What is the "Next Typhoon"?
17:33 - Outro