5 trends that should top CISO’s RSA 2026 agendas

The cybersecurity community is abuzz with excitement as RSA 2026 draws near. This year's theme, "The Power of Community," may seem ironic, given the increasing presence of artificial intelligence (AI) agents, automatons, and robots in the field. However, it's precisely this intersection of human expertise and AI-driven innovation that will dominate the conversations at the Moscone Center in San Francisco from March 23 to March 26.

As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, five key trends are expected to take center stage at RSA 2026. These developments will not only shape the future of cybersecurity but also have significant implications for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and their teams.

Trend 1: The Rise of Autonomous Agents in Security Operations

One of the most significant trends at RSA 2026 will be the increasing use of autonomous agents in security operations. These agents are designed to perform traditional Security Operations Center (SOC) activities, such as triaging alerts, investigating malicious activity, isolating hosts, and patching software. While the early realities of autonomous agents haven't yet fully aligned with expectations, the potential for these agents to reshape SOC operations is vast.

According to industry experts, autonomous agents will play a crucial role in addressing the growing shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. By automating routine tasks, these agents will enable human analysts to focus on more complex and high-value tasks, such as threat hunting and incident response.

Trend 2: AI-Driven Security Operations

Closely related to the rise of autonomous agents is the increasing use of AI-driven security operations. This trend involves the application of machine learning algorithms and other AI technologies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of security operations.

AI-driven security operations can help organizations to better detect and respond to threats in real-time, reducing the risk of data breaches and other security incidents. Additionally, AI can help to improve the accuracy of threat detection, reducing the number of false positives and false negatives.

Trend 3: Cloud Security and the Rise of Cloud-Native Applications

As more organizations move their applications and data to the cloud, cloud security will become an increasingly important topic at RSA 2026. Cloud-native applications, in particular, will require new approaches to security, as they often involve complex microservices and APIs.

CISOs will need to consider the unique security challenges posed by cloud-native applications, such as the need for greater visibility and control over cloud-based infrastructure. They will also need to ensure that their security teams have the necessary skills and expertise to secure cloud-native applications.

Trend 4: The Growing Importance of Cybersecurity Awareness and Training

As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, the importance of cybersecurity awareness and training will only continue to grow. At RSA 2026, CISOs will need to consider the latest strategies and best practices for educating employees about cybersecurity risks and promoting a culture of security within their organizations.

This may involve the use of innovative training methods, such as gamification and simulations, as well as the development of more effective phishing and awareness programs.

Trend 5: The Intersection of Cybersecurity and IT

Finally, RSA 2026 will highlight the increasing intersection of cybersecurity and IT. As organizations continue to adopt digital transformation strategies, the boundaries between cybersecurity and IT will become increasingly blurred.

CISOs will need to work closely with their IT counterparts to ensure that cybersecurity is integrated into every aspect of the organization, from application development to network architecture. This may involve the adoption of DevSecOps practices, which prioritize security throughout the entire software development lifecycle.

In conclusion, RSA 2026 promises to be an exciting and informative event, with a focus on the latest trends and innovations in cybersecurity. By paying attention to these five key trends, CISOs and their teams can stay ahead of the curve and ensure that their organizations remain secure in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving threat landscape.