Evolving technology around AI and quantum computing presented new cybersecurity threats in 2025. As 2026 moves forward, a collection of Virginia Tech cybersecurity experts based in the greater Washington, D.C. area predict the trends that will define this year.

Illegal robocalls, other scams set to rise
The combination of increased efforts and decreased regulation around scam calls and texts could well lead to an explosion of both in 2026, says Eric Burger, a professor of NextG security.

Companies will struggle to effectively balance cybersecurity vulnerabilities and expenses
While big enterprises might throw money that small businesses can’t afford at cyber defense, both will have trouble assessing their risks and weaknesses, says professor of integrated security Wade Baker.

We will see an increased use of AI for cyberattacks
As artificial intelligence tools continue to advance and proliferate, they will also be increasingly used by hackers to develop more sophisticated cyber attacks, says professor of cybersecurity and Executive Director of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Luiz DaSilva.

There will be added urgency to address unintentional wireless leaks
Unintended electronic emissions are emanations, such as those from common technology like monitors or keyboards, that could unintentionally leak secure information. Detecting and addressing these signal leaks is the next stage in wireless security, says professor of spectrum dominance and Associate Director of the Virginia Tech National Security Institute Chris Headley.

About Burger
Eric Burger is Research Director of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) and Research Professor of NextG Security, and has courtesy appointments as research professor of electrical and computer engineering in Virginia Tech's Bradley School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and public policy in Virginia Tech's School of Public and International Affairs. 

About Baker
Wade Baker is a Collegiate Associate Professor of Integrated Security at Virginia Tech and part of the Business Information Technology faculty in the Pamplin College of Business. His research interests fall at the intersection of cybersecurity, risk management, business strategy, and data analysis.

About DaSilva
Luiz DaSilva is currently the Executive Director of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) and the Bradley Professor of Cybersecurity in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech.

About Headley
William "Chris" Headley is the associate director and a research associate professor in the Spectrum Dominance Division of the Virginia Tech National Security Institute. His research areas include spectrum sensing, machine learning, and digital signal processing.

Interview
To schedule an interview with any of the above experts, contact Noah Frank at nafrank@vt.edu or 805-453-2556.

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