A new global survey from Veeam Software reveals that IT leaders are entering 2026 with acute concerns over cybersecurity and the dual-edged impact of artificial intelligence. While these areas are seen as the greatest disruptors and risks, the survey also uncovers a critical gap: confidence in data recovery remains low, and visibility into data location is diminishing across complex multi-cloud and SaaS environments.
Cybersecurity threats (49%) and AI maturity/regulation (22%) are the top disruptors for IT leaders in 2026.
AI-generated attacks are seen as the greatest data security risk, surpassing traditional ransomware.
Strengthening cybersecurity (45%) and building data resilience (24%) are the top "must win" IT initiatives.
Over half of organizations report reduced visibility into where their data resides due to cloud sprawl.
Only 29% are very confident in recovering from a zero-day exploit; 71% lack confidence in enduring a multi-day cloud outage.
72% of surveyed leaders support a ban on ransomware payments.
The survey identifies a clear top tier of concerns for the coming year. Nearly half of the respondents point to cybersecurity threats as the single biggest disruptor, with AI maturity and regulation ranking a strong second. These themes converge in the risk landscape, where AI-generated attacks are now perceived as a more significant threat to data than ransomware itself. This signals a pivotal shift where AI is recognized not only as a tool for defense but also as a potent weapon for attackers.
In direct response to these threats, IT leaders are prioritizing foundational security and resilience. Strengthening cybersecurity is the overwhelming top initiative, followed by building data resilience. Budgets are aligning with these priorities, with over half of organizations planning moderate to significant increases in data protection spending. Concurrently, data sovereignty and compliance are critically shaping cloud strategy, with 76% of leaders rating it as extremely or moderately important, highlighting the growing geopolitical dimension of data management.
Despite increased focus and investment, a significant confidence gap persists. A majority of IT leaders admit that the growth of their IT environment has reduced visibility into where their data actually resides. This lack of clarity feeds into low recovery confidence: only 29% are very confident in their ability to recover from a major cyber incident like a zero-day exploit, and most lack assurance in their operational continuity during a prolonged cloud outage.
Beyond technology, the survey indicates a strong desire for enhanced accountability and standards. An overwhelming majority believe increased executive-level accountability would improve cybersecurity outcomes. Furthermore, 88% stress the importance of holding partners and suppliers to their security standards. Notably, 72% of leaders support a ban on ransomware payments, reflecting a growing stance against fueling criminal enterprises.
The Veeam 2026 survey paints a picture of an industry at an inflection point, aware of sophisticated threats but grappling with operational complexities that undermine preparedness. The path forward requires a dual focus: relentless investment in data resilience and security fundamentals, coupled with stronger governance and partnerships to build a truly resilient enterprise posture.
About the Survey
This survey collected feedback from 250+ respondents and explored key themes including the impact of artificial intelligence, data management challenges, IT strategy and leadership, confidence in incident recovery, and future directions for backup and recovery solutions. Respondents represented Americas, APJ, and EMEA regions.
About Veeam Software
Veeam®, the #1 global market leader in data resilience, believes every business should be able to bounce forward after a disruption with the confidence and control of all their data whenever and wherever they need it. Veeam calls this radical resilience, and we’re obsessed with creating innovative ways to help our customers achieve it.
Veeam solutions are purpose-built for powering data resilience by providing data backup, data recovery, data portability, data security, and data intelligence. With Veeam, IT and security leaders rest easy knowing that their apps and data are protected and always available across their cloud, virtual, physical, SaaS, and Kubernetes environments.
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