Industry executives and experts share their predictions for 2026. Read them in this 18th annual VMblog.com series exclusive.
By Chase Doelling, Principal Strategist & Director, JumpCloud
As we prepare for 2026, a striking statistic underscores the urgency of rethinking your IT strategy: only 19% of companies currently operate a fully unified IT environment. Yet these unified organizations report stronger AI performance, greater adoption of use cases, and more robust security outcomes. This contrast highlights a widening gap between IT readiness and AI-driven ambitions, a gap that will shape compliance, security, and operational resilience in the year ahead. The message for IT leaders is clear: Unifying systems and processes is no longer optional. It is essential to build a foundation for secure AI, compliance, and digital operations.
Three interconnected forces, including data architecture, identity management, and continuous authentication, will determine who thrives in this AI-driven environment. Organizations that act now to unify IT, leveraging identity-first processes, and adopting continuous authentication will set the standard for security, operational efficiency, and business agility in 2026.
The Data Backbone Becomes the Compliance Frontline
In 2026, compliance will no longer be a checklist exercise. It will hinge on the structure and quality of enterprise data. Clean, unified data will serve as the foundation for AI-driven risk detection, policy enforcement, and regulatory readiness. Companies that invest in data architecture not only simplify compliance but also gain a competitive edge in operational insight, predictive risk modeling, and AI-driven decision-making.
Treating data as a strategic asset allows organizations to model risk, anticipate anomalies, and optimize operations across their environment. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies, businesses with well-structured data environments will be able to respond swiftly. Laggards strapped with fragmented IT systems risk exposing gaps that slow innovation and increase exposure. Data quality is poised to become the single most critical differentiator. Dependent on AI, forward-looking organizations will be the new leaders in operational resilience.
Identity as Currency: Customers Redefine the Security Landscape
Identity is rapidly becoming a strategic asset rather than a pure security function. In 2026, identity and access frameworks are non-negotiable to grow. Enterprises with advanced identity architectures, privileged access controls, and AI-driven identity and access management (IAM) platforms will be viewed as trusted providers. Potential customers recognize the need of secure identity frameworks for resilience.
This shift turns identity into a form of corporate currency. Organizations must continuously innovate their identity and access architectures not only to defend against threats but also to remain attractive in a market where trust is a prized asset. Those who fail to modernize risk both operational vulnerabilities and diminished market value. Companies that prioritize identity maturity will see enhanced employee productivity, smoother integrations during customer acquisitions, and a stronger foundation for AI-driven operational insights.
Beyond Humans: Continuous Authentication for the Machine Economy
The rise of non-human actors, including bots and AI agents, is creating a new battleground for security. In 2026, continuous authentication will be essential for maintaining digital trust. Periodic login checks and static credentials will no longer suffice. Every interaction, human or automated, will require real-time verification.
This context-aware approach dynamically adjusts access based on behavior, location, and operational patterns. AI-driven systems anticipate anomalies, prevent lateral movement, and maintain a virtually invisible perimeter. Organizations that master continuous authentication will not only protect themselves but also streamline operations. This enables secure innovation across increasingly automated, AI-enabled environments. Digital trust should be continuously earned rather than statically granted.
Preparing for 2026
2026 will reward organizations that treat security as a driver of strategy, not just a defensive function. By embracing these three pillars, IT teams can bridge the readiness gap. Enabling safer, smarter, and more agile operations in an era defined by AI, automation, and non-human actors.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chase is a Principal Strategist & Director at JumpCloud, designing authentication strategies and evangelising customer solutions. He has been working in venture-backed startups across identity, security, integration, and DevOps for the last decade. Chase is a frequent speaker on topics from evangelism, systems, and identity. He’s based in Colorado and is a mentor at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
