Huntress outlines endpoint security shifts and AI oversight needs for 2026
The cybersecurity firm highlights rising risks from agentic AI and multi-layered ransomware extortion tactics in its latest annual trend report.
Key points
- Huntress identifies agentic AI and multi-layered ransomware as key endpoint risks for 2026.
- Only half of firms have documented incident response plans, with few testing them regularly.
- The report advocates for human-led validation of AI-driven security detections.
Huntress has published a report detailing ten endpoint security trends expected to shape the industry in 2026. The research highlights how overlapping endpoints, identities, and cloud workloads are rendering traditional perimeter defenses insufficient against modern threats. The firm warns that living-off-the-land attacks allow threat actors to operate quietly within environments, necessitating a shift in defensive strategies.
Root cause
The primary driver of increased risk is the convergence of digital environments. Traditional antivirus solutions can no longer keep pace with fast-moving threats that bypass standard perimeter controls. Huntress notes that threat actors are increasingly using methods that blend into normal system operations, making detection difficult without advanced monitoring capabilities and comprehensive visibility across all assets.
Attack path
Attackers are moving away from simple encryption events toward multi-layered extortion campaigns. This involves combining data theft, system encryption, and public pressure to force higher payouts. Threat actors may harvest credentials quickly after gaining initial access, threatening disclosure long before deploying encryption tools. This approach heightens business risk and potential public fallout for affected organisations.
Affected versions
The report does not specify affected software versions or CVE identifiers. Instead, it addresses broader strategic vulnerabilities within organisational security postures. The risks apply to any business relying on standalone antivirus or untested incident response plans. The focus is on the operational gaps that allow threats to persist, rather than specific software flaws.
Mitigation
- Implement AI-powered endpoint tools with strict human oversight and validation.
- Develop and regularly test incident response plans for common scenarios.
- Adopt extended detection and response platforms for broader visibility.
- Ensure security partners provide 24/7 monitoring and expert guidance.
What it means for organisations
Leadership should review current incident response documentation to ensure it covers modern ransomware tactics. Security teams must evaluate whether their AI tools have adequate guardrails against manipulation. Procurement departments need to verify that managed service providers offer human-led validation rather than fully automated decisions. Communication protocols for data breaches should be updated to address multi-layered extortion risks, ensuring clear lines of authority during crises.
Background: Extended detection and response (XDR)
Extended detection and response unifies telemetry from multiple sources to identify complex threats that bypass isolated security tools. It reduces alert fatigue by correlating events but requires significant data governance. It suits organisations with diverse infrastructure but adds complexity that smaller teams may struggle to manage without dedicated expertise.
Read the full guide: Extended Detection and Response: Real Benefits and Hidden Costs
What to do and how to stay safe: Huntress
- Audit current incident response plans to ensure they are documented and regularly tested by relevant teams.
- Review AI security tools to confirm they include human oversight mechanisms and are not acting as final decision-makers.
- Assess endpoint visibility across cloud workloads and identities to identify gaps in current detection capabilities.
- Verify that managed detection partners provide continuous monitoring and clear guidance during active incidents.
Step-by-step guide: Prevent Prompt Injection Attacks: Practical Defences for AI Systems
General security guidance from the TechSec Observer newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of companies have a tested incident response plan?
IBM’s 2025 report reveals that just 30% of companies regularly test their incident response plans.
How are ransomware tactics changing according to Huntress?
Threat actors are shifting from single-encryption events to multi-layered extortion involving data theft and public pressure.
What is agentic AI in this context?
Agentic AI refers to agents that analyze large data volumes and automate parts of investigations, requiring human oversight.
