| |
Based on an in-depth analysis of public sources, sectoral studies, and proprietary data from AXA XL and Thales, this report highlights the fact that in 2026, cyber risk is no longer solely a technical issue but has become a strategic challenge at the highest level of the organization. This evolution is notably driven by the industrialization of cybercrime, increasing geopolitical tensions, the growing complexity of the regulatory framework, and the acceleration of technological innovations.
144 countries now implement regulations regarding privacy or cybersecurity, while new legislation such as NIS2, DORA, and the AI Act in Europe significantly strengthens requirements related to governance, risk management, and reporting.
In this context, the financial impact of cyber incidents continues to grow: the average cost of a data breach for an organization reached $4.44 million in 2025.
The report identifies five strategic priorities for senior leaders:
• Achieving full visibility of digital assets and critical dependencies;
• Extending risk oversight across third-party ecosystems;
• Ensuring AI governance keeps pace with deployment;
• Building crisis-ready leadership and response capabilities;
• Developing a structured roadmap for post-quantum cryptography.
“This report reinforces a fundamental reality we are seeing across industries and regions: cyber resilience now extends well beyond technical controls. It requires disciplined governance, strategic foresight, and proactive risk management,” said Rébiah Girard-Bardot, Head of Cyber Risk Consulting Services at AXA XL.
“In the face of the hyper-acceleration of cyber threats, Thales supports organizations at every stage from strategy development to advisory and operational implementation across the entire cybersecurity value chain, from risk identification to remediation. By combining identity management, data protection, post-quantum anticipation, and trusted infrastructures, we enable them to sustainably strengthen their resilience. Thales' consulting services in this area will be available to AXA XL clients starting this year, says Christophe Bianco, Vice President for Thales Cybersecurity Services.
The full report is available here: Cyber resilience in an era of consolidated & converging threats.
About AXA XL
AXA XL (axaxl.com) provides insurance and risk management products and services for mid-sized companies through to large multinationals, and reinsurance solutions to insurance companies globally. We partner with those who move the world forward.
About AXA XL INSURANCE
AXA XL Insurance offers property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty insurance solutions to mid-sized companies through to large multinationals globally. We partner with those who move the world forward.
About THALES
Thales (thalesgroup.com) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services helps address several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.
The Group allocates €4.5 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Quantum and Cloud technologies.
Thales has more than 85,000 employees in 65 countries. In 2025, the Group generated sales of €22.1 billion.
Media Relations
Alexandre Rizos - Head of External Communications, AXA XL
P: +44(0)20 7933 7624 - E: alexandre.rizos[.]axaxl.com.
|
marion.bonnet[.]thalesgroup.com 
