IDC: Global Security Spend to Exceed $300 Billion in 2026, Partly Driven by AI

Global security spending is projected to reach $308 billion in 2026 and $430 billion by 2029, according to the latest forecast from IDC. The global security market is forecast to grow 11.8% in 2026, driven by increasing investments into unified, AI-driven security platforms and related services.

The largest technology group in 2026 is projected to be Software, accounting for more than half of the worldwide security spending. Identity and Access Management Software, Endpoint Security Software, and Security Analytics are expected to represent more than 50% of global Security Software spending this year. As threats—including those fueled by AI —become increasingly sophisticated, companies are prioritizing these tools to prevent breaches, protect critical assets, and gain actionable visibility across their environments.

Software is also forecast to be the fastest growing technology group in 2026, with an estimated year-over-year growth rate of 14% in 2026. Services are projected to follow closely, likewise expected to see double-digit growth this year. Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP), Identity and Access Management Software, and Information and Data Security Software will be the fastest growing Security Software technology categories. These technologies constitute the essential defense necessary to protect AI workloads, verify the identity of a non-human workforce, and ensure data safety in an era of AI-driven threats.

Among Services, Managed Security Services are expected to see the highest growth this year, allowing companies to help bridge the gap between escalating cyber-complexity and the persistent global shortage of in-house security talent.

“Organizations are moving beyond isolated security tools toward more integrated and intelligence-driven security architectures as threat complexity, regulatory pressure, and AI adoption accelerate,” says Monika Soltysik, senior research analyst, Security & Trust at IDC. “Investment is increasingly focused on technologies that improve visibility, automate response, and strengthen identity and data protection across hybrid and cloud environments. Over the next several years, security strategies will increasingly prioritize operational resilience and platform consolidation as organizations seek measurable risk reduction rather than incremental tool expansion.”

The global security market is shaped by AI-driven threats and increasing complexity of cyberattacks, prompting higher investments by companies in advanced security solutions. Geopolitical tensions and state-sponsored cyber operations are also intensifying risk and driving cross-border security spending. The United States will lead worldwide security spending in 2026, reaching $150 billion, driven by significant investments by the Financial Services, Healthcare, and Government industries. Western Europe will be the second largest market at $69 billion, pushed by intensifying regulatory and compliance requirements (e.g. NIS2, DORA, AI Act). APeJC will rank third with $26 billion, as rapid digital transformation and cloud adoption in the region will in turn trigger the required investments in security.

“The ongoing rise in cyberthreats and regulatory pressure will continue to drive global demand for resilient, sovereign, and compliant cybersecurity capabilities,” says Stefano Perini, research manager, Market & Industries at IDC. “The strongest growth in security spending in 2026 is expected in the industries where protecting sensitive data, intellectual property, and critical infrastructure is most essential, and where the need for industry-specific security solutions is greatest. The growth will be greater for large companies, but it will also be significant for medium-sized and small enterprises, which are realizing that security is becoming an essential business enabler for them as well.”

Channel Impact^®
The data underscore both the growing complexity and the overwhelming need for security products and services. This represents a powerful opportunity for channel partners who successfully navigate the ever-changing shifts in this market.