Looking Ahead to 2026: A Year of AI Acceleration, Stronger Cyber Regulations, and New Opportunities for Secure Growth
A Holiday Message from RB Advisory
As we close out another landmark year in cybersecurity, compliance, and digital transformation, RB Advisory extends warm holiday wishes to our clients, partners, and industry colleagues. The holiday season gives us a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and prepare and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal years yet for organizations across every sector.
This year brought significant change: intensified cyber threats, the official enforcement of the CMMC rule, major advancements in artificial intelligence, and a renewed global focus on resilience. But in 2026, the pace of change will accelerate even further. Organizations that prepare early, strategically, culturally, and technologically, will emerge stronger, more competitive, and more secure.
At RB Advisory, we believe the holiday season is not just a time for celebration, but for setting intentions. Here’s what’s on the horizon for 2026 and how we can partner with you to meet it with confidence.
2026 Will Be Defined by the Fusion of AI and Cyber Governance
Artificial intelligence is not coming, it’s here, embedded in business operations, workflows, risk programs, and mission-critical systems. The conversation is shifting from adoption to accountability. In the coming year, we expect to see:
- AI Regulations Mature Rapidly
Governments worldwide are finalizing frameworks for AI governance, transparency, and data protection. In the U.S., new federal guidelines will require organizations to demonstrate:
- Clear policies for responsible AI use
- Risk assessments for AI-driven systems
- Evidence of model oversight and monitoring
- Human-in-the-loop controls
RB Advisory has already begun integrating AI governance frameworks into our compliance and risk advisory programs, preparing clients for what regulators will soon enforce.
- AI Will Become a Primary Target for Cyber Criminals
As organizations increasingly rely on AI for automation, analytics, and decision-making, adversaries will look for new vulnerabilities:
- Data poisoning
- Prompt manipulation
- AI-powered phishing and fraud
- Unauthorized model access
- Synthetic identity attacks
2026 will require organizations to secure not only data but algorithms, models, and decision engines.
- AI Will Reshape Compliance and Audit Readiness
AI can streamline risk management and compliance, but only if deployed responsibly. RB Advisory is helping organizations build:
- AI-supported evidence collection
- Automated compliance monitoring
- Predictive risk analytics
- Real-time CUI and data classification
- AI-enhanced threat modeling
2026 will be the year where AI becomes a tool for both operational efficiency and regulatory strength.
CMMC Enforcement Will Define Federal and Defense Contracting in 2026
With the official activation of the DFARS 48 rule on November 10, CMMC is now mandatory, not theoretical, not future, required.
2026 is the first full contracting year where CMMC Level 2 certification will be:
- A requirement for award
- A differentiator for teaming decisions
- A performance factor in federal evaluations
Companies that do not make compliance a priority in Q1 will face delays, lost opportunities, and increased cost pressure.
RB Advisory is already supporting organizations nationwide with:
- Full CMMC readiness
- Evidence preparation
- Continuous monitoring
- Risk scoring and remediation
- Policy development
- Mock C3PAO assessments
As a recognized leader led by Regine the Cyber Queen™, RB Advisory provides the strategic clarity and hands-on expertise that the new compliance environment demands.
Cybersecurity in 2026: A Landscape of Higher Stakes and Greater Opportunity
The threat landscape continues to escalate. In 2026, we anticipate:
- More supply chain attacks as adversaries exploit third-party vulnerabilities
- Faster ransomware cycles driven by AI automation
- Greater regulatory penalties for non-compliance or data mishandling
- Higher expectations for resilience, not just protection
- Board-level accountability for cybersecurity governance
But there is also opportunity, for modernization, efficiency, and competitive advantage for organizations that choose to invest in resilience.
This is where RB Advisory’s integrated approach becomes essential.
How RB Advisory Will Partner with You in the New Year
We are entering the new year ready to support organizations with a comprehensive suite of services that address today’s challenges and tomorrow’s requirements.
- AI Governance & Responsible AI Programs
We help organizations build frameworks that are:
- Compliant
- Ethical
- Secure
- Auditable
- Adaptable
- Full Cyber & Compliance Transformation
From assessments to remediation roadmaps, we support:
- CMMC readiness
- NIST 800-171 | NIST CSF
- SOC 2
- ISO 27001
- FedRAMP preparation
- Risk and governance maturity programs
- Continuous Monitoring & Long-Term Cyber Resilience
Compliance is a journey, not an event. RB Advisory offers:
- Ongoing risk monitoring
- Control validation
- Cyber governance program management
- Security posture dashboards
- Executive & Board Advisory
Organizations rely on RB Advisory for:
- Executive risk briefings
- Cyber governance strategy
- Investment prioritization
- Board readiness and accountability workshops
- AI-Enhanced Cyber Solutions
We merge human expertise with the power of AI to deliver:
- Predictive analytics
- Threat intelligence
- Vulnerability prioritization
- Automated evidence gathering
A Message from Regine Bonneau, CEO of RB Advisory: “This holiday season reminds us of what matters most—our people, our resilience, and our commitment to safeguarding our future. As we step into 2026, organizations are navigating tremendous change driven by AI, new regulations, and evolving threats. At RB Advisory, we are honored to stand beside our clients, helping them turn uncertainty into opportunity. Together, we will make 2026 a year of innovation, security, and sustainable growth.”
— Regine Bonneau, The Cyber Queen™
A Final Wish for the Year Ahead
From all of us at RB Advisory, we wish you a peaceful holiday season filled with joy, hope, and reflection. May the new year bring stronger partnerships, clearer strategy, and unwavering confidence in your cybersecurity and compliance journey.
The future is coming fast and RB Advisory is here to help you meet it with strength.
Connect with RB Advisory today and make an appointment to discuss your company’s needs.