Global Cybersecurity Market Forecasts From Cybersecurity Ventures, Forrester, Gartner

Posted at 08:35h on 29 June 2026 by Taylor Fox

In an age where digital threats loom larger than ever, the global cybersecurity market is on an exponential rise. This week, insights from leading firms like Cybersecurity Ventures, Forrester, and Gartner have painted a vivid picture of what’s to come in this dynamic landscape. Let’s delve into these forecasts and understand their implications.

The Numbers Speak

Forrester has set its sights on a global information security spending figure of $200 billion by 2026. Gartner, on the other hand, is slightly more optimistic, projecting a staggering $240 billion for the same year. But Cybersecurity Ventures takes the lead, forecasting an eye-watering $522 billion in cybersecurity spending by 2026. These varying figures underscore the complexities and nuances of cyber expenditure as outlined in the latest 2026 Cybersecurity Market Report.

Unaccounted Expenditures

Steve Morgan, founder of Cybersecurity Ventures, emphasizes a critical caveat: "A large portion of information security-related spending is not accounted for as being information-security related." This statement highlights a historical pattern established nearly a decade ago and remains true to this day. If analysts could capture all unaccounted expenditures, the total spending figures would likely be much higher, illustrating a significant gap in the understanding of cybersecurity investments.

The Growth of Cybersecurity Categories

The discrepancy among these estimates is rooted in the diverse categories and attack surfaces that are included in each organization’s analysis. Traditional IT security focuses primarily on hardware and software within established IT infrastructures—servers, networking gear, and end-user devices. Conversely, the evolving realm of cybersecurity encompasses a broader spectrum, one that includes non-computer devices and varied platforms. Emerging sub-markets such as aviation security, automotive security, and IoT security contribute to a much larger picture.

Morgan elaborates that the traditional analyst reports often fail to evolve with the changing landscape. Expanding definitions of security are essential as new technology and threats emerge. These overlooked categories become vital components of the cybersecurity market today.

The Cottage Industry of Cybersecurity Services

The landscape of IT security services is further complicated by the sheer number of players involved. It’s what Morgan describes as a "cottage industry," comprising tens of thousands of value-added resellers (VARs), IT solution providers, and systems integrators (SIs). These entities wrap cybersecurity services around the IT infrastructures they manage. However, the catch is that most of these firms do not report their cybersecurity revenues as a separate line item, making it challenging to gauge the full extent of spending in this area.

Future Projections

Looking ahead, Cybersecurity Ventures predicts that the cybersecurity market could swell to an astonishing $1 trillion annually by 2031, driven by a projected 15 percent year-over-year growth over the next five years. With the rapid evolution of technology and the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, this projection seems not only feasible but essential for maintaining digital safety.

For those interested in a deeper dive, the 2026 Cybersecurity Market Report provides comprehensive insights into these forecasts, addressing fundamental questions about spending allocation and future trends.

Expanding Your Cyber Knowledge

For readers looking to enhance their understanding of cybersecurity, Cybercrime Magazine serves as an invaluable resource. From breaking news on cyberattacks to insights on venture capital in cybersecurity, the publication offers a well-rounded view of the industry’s pulse.

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• SCAM: Stay updated on the newest schemes and social engineering attacks.

• NEWS: Follow breaking coverage of data breaches and pivotal cybersecurity stories.

• HACK: Learn about the latest hacks and the implications for organizations around the globe.

• VC: Get insights into the latest venture capital activities in the cybersecurity space.

• M&A: Discover trends in mergers and acquisitions that shape the industry.

• BLOG: Read about the stories that don’t always make headlines but matter deeply.

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