Cyberattacks in 2026: the number one geopolitical risk for global companies Merca2.0

Digital security is no longer just a technical matter; it has become a top-level strategic priority for corporations. According to the survey “The Conference Board C-Suite Outlook 2026 – Global Summary”, titled “Uncertainty and Opportunity: The CEO Playbook for 2026”, cyberattacks rank as the greatest geopolitical risk for companies worldwide.

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The study reveals that 46.5% of CEOs identify “Cyberattacks” as the main geopolitical threat to their organizations, surpassing even traditional concerns such as armed conflicts or social unrest.

This data confirms a clear trend: in a hyperconnected world, economic and strategic wars are also fought in cyberspace.

Cyberattacks, the greatest risk for companies in 2026

The report shows that digital threats are no longer seen as an isolated IT issue, but as a systemic geopolitical risk capable of disrupting global operations.

Among the main geopolitical and security risks cited by CEOs are:

• “Cyberattacks” (46.5%)
• “Geopolitical uncertainty overall” (45.8%)
• “Social/civil unrest” (28.8%)

This reflects that business leaders believe a cyberattack can generate impacts similar to an international crisis, affecting operations, financial markets, infrastructure, and corporate reputation.

How do cyberattacks affect the global economy and businesses?

Cyberattacks can have direct consequences on economic stability and business operations. The rapid digitalization of corporate activities has expanded the risk surface.

Among the most concerning impacts are:

• Disruption of corporate operations
• Theft of strategic information or intellectual property
• Financial losses due to ransom payments or system recovery
• Reputational damage and loss of customer trust
• Disruption of supply chains and logistics systems

What is the relationship between cyberattacks and global geopolitics?

The Conference Board report suggests that cyberattacks are increasingly linked to international tensions and conflicts between states, raising their level of risk.

CEO concerns stem from the fact that cyberattacks may originate from:

• Geopolitical conflicts between countries
• State-sponsored industrial espionage
• Criminal groups specialized in ransomware
• Cyberwarfare and attacks on critical infrastructure

What other geopolitical risks concern companies in 2026?

Although cyberattacks top the list, CEOs also point to other risks that could amplify their impact:

• Overall geopolitical uncertainty, reflecting rising global tensions
• Social/civil unrest linked to political polarization and inequality
• Regional conflicts affecting trade and energy

The interaction of these factors can trigger complex crises that simultaneously affect the economy, digital security, and social stability.

How are companies preparing to face cyberattacks?

In response, companies are strengthening their digital resilience strategies. For CEOs, protection against cyberattacks is no longer solely the responsibility of IT departments—it involves the entire organization.

Common actions include:

• Strengthening cybersecurity systems and continuous monitoring
• Training employees in attack prevention and phishing awareness
• Migrating critical infrastructure to more secure environments
• Improving data management and access controls
• Collaborating with governments and international organizations on cybersecurity

What does this warning mean for the future of businesses?

The rise of cyberattacks as the top geopolitical risk reflects a profound shift in the nature of global competition and conflict.

Companies no longer compete only in markets—they operate within digital ecosystems vulnerable to invisible threats. In this context, technological resilience becomes a key factor for business survival.

Moreover, the report suggests that corporate leaders will increasingly need to integrate cybersecurity into strategic planning, risk management, and corporate governance.