Expert Insights: 2026 Business Cybersecurity Strategies
In a recent feature with LA Times Studios, VegaNext CEO Pervez P. Delawalla joined other industry experts to discuss the evolving landscape of digital threats. As we navigate through 2026, the intersection of AI, quantum computing, and human-centric security has created a new paradigm for business resilience.
The AI Arms Race
AI has fundamentally accelerated the cybersecurity arms race. "Attackers now deploy machine learning for sophisticated phishing, deepfakes and automated vulnerability discovery," Delawalla explains. This shift means that threats which once required skilled human intervention can now be generated at an unprecedented scale.
"Defenders benefit, too: AI-powered detection identifies anomalies humans would miss, automates threat hunting and dramatically reduces response times. The key is integration – AI augments skilled analysts rather than replacing them."
Building a Culture of Security
Leadership remains the most essential element of any cybersecurity program. It's not just about budgets—it's about setting the tone from the top. Delawalla emphasizes that security awareness shouldn't be a "checkbox" activity.
People as Defense
"Your people are simultaneously your greatest vulnerability and strongest defense. Phishing remains the dominant attack vector, and no firewall stops a well-crafted social engineering attempt."
Continuous Learning
Training must be quarterly, not annual. Monthly "micro-learning moments" like simulated phishing tests and real-world case studies keep security top-of-mind.
Preparing for the Inevitable
The difference between a minor incident and a company-collapsing breach is preparation. "Every leadership team needs a tested incident response plan – not a dusty document, but a living playbook practiced through tabletop exercises," says Delawalla.
At VegaNext, the focus is on practical resilience. This includes knowing communication chains (legal, insurers, customers) and establishing relationships with forensic partners before an emergency strikes. Backup integrity is non-negotiable—backups must be immutable and recovery procedures verified regularly.
The Horizon: Quantum Threats
While it might sound like science fiction, quantum computing presents a real mid-to-long-term risk. "Harvest now, decrypt later" attacks mean that sensitive data encrypted with today's standards (like RSA or ECC) could be compromised once quantum attacks become viable.
Actionable Advice:
- Inventory your cryptographic dependencies
- Prioritize data with long-term retention requirements
- Follow NIST's post-quantum standards
- Engage vendors on their quantum transition roadmaps
Cyber Resilience for SMBs
A common misconception is that robust security requires enterprise-level budgets. Delawalla advocates for strategic partnerships instead of massive internal spending. "Start where risk is highest, scale deliberately and treat security as operational infrastructure, not optional overhead."
By leveraging managed security services, small and mid-sized businesses can access 24/7 threat detection and enterprise-grade protection at predictable costs, effectively leveling the playing field against global cyber threats.