NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Altum Strategy Group today released its inaugural U.S. Cybersecurity Leaders Survey, showing that American cybersecurity decision‑makers are heading into 2026 focused on protecting sensitive data, speeding up threat detection and response, and putting AI to work as a practical enabler.
The survey of 163 U.S.-based cybersecurity experts with decision-making responsibility finds that 44% rank protecting sensitive data in their top two cybersecurity priorities for 2026, ahead of threat detection and response (36%) and AI enablement (25%). These priorities anchor cybersecurity strategy firmly in business risk and resilience.
The data also shows that boards’ expectations for security leaders are changing. More than half of those who answered said their boards want basic security metrics (51%), business resiliency risks (51%), and information about advanced persistent threats (50%). This shows that boards are moving away from technical dashboards and toward metrics that are directly related to revenue, operations, and reputation.
Matthew Gantner, CEO of Altum Strategy Group, said, “Our first U.S. Cybersecurity Leaders Survey shows that security teams are focusing on what boards care about most: protecting sensitive data and keeping the business running.” “Cyber executives put data protection at the top of their list for 2026. After that came faster threat detection and response and focused usage of AI. Cybersecurity is increasingly a problem for businesses as a whole, not just for IT.
When asked where they are focusing their effort and money, most people say that Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and security architecture are their top priorities. Security architecture is the second most important area for 60% of firms, while MDR is the most important area at 64%. MDR is still in the lead when it comes to automation (64% of people say it’s one of their top two functions), followed by security architecture (50%) and threat hunting (47%).
The study also shows that there are gaps in visibility in areas that are important to modern work.
Cybersecurity experts say that mobile devices are the biggest blind spot (51%), followed by cloud workloads (40%), BYOD environments (39%), and network infrastructure and SaaS apps (both 34%).
Most businesses are using hybrid operating strategies to deal with complexity. A little more than half of the people who answered (53%) said they use a mix of managed and in-house services to maintain and keep an eye on their cybersecurity infrastructure and tools. Only 31% of people rely only on in-house teams, while 15% rely only on managed services.
About the Survey:
YouGov and the U.S. Cybersecurity Leaders Survey worked together to do the survey online from October 10 to October 16, 2025. The sample consists of 163 U.S. cybersecurity specialists and professionals who are responsible for making decisions about cybersecurity in their companies. YouGov and Altum Strategy Group made the questionnaire, and the results are provided with a 90% confidence level or above. You can read the major findings report, which is called “2026 Cybersecurity Leadership Survey Key Findings.”
About the Altum Strategy Group:
Altum gives clients the next generation of technology in a way that is personalized to their needs, which helps teams and adds value. We work by thinking outside the box, encouraging everyone to work together, and getting people involved. Altum uses our wide range of skills to guide strategy creation at all levels. This lets us use cutting-edge digital tools and new ways of doing business that get results. Altum gives our clients and their teams the tools they need to surf the current wave and get ready for the next one.