Published Everbridgean American software company specializing in emergency management and business continuity solutions, released its annual "Global Risk and Resilience Outlook 2026" report, which provides a comprehensive view of the changing landscape of risks threatening organizations around the world.
The report highlights ten major risks that organizations are expected to face in 2026, including advanced cyber-attacks, increased risks associated with artificial intelligence, natural disasters caused by climate change, and the impact of geopolitical conflicts on trade and supply chains.
The report underscores the need for organizations to move from traditional business continuity models to a more holistic approach based on organizational resilience, as threats become increasingly intertwined and simultaneous.
Everbridge's 2025 Global Risk Survey also reveals wide gaps in organizational readiness, particularly in the areas of critical event management training and the allocation of appropriate technology resources.
The report suggests adopting a five-phase resilience strategy - advanced planning, continuous monitoring, early warning, unified response, and continuous improvement - to enhance organizations' risk resilience and achieve effective future readiness.
Top 10 Global Risks for 2026
1. Cyberattacks and Systemic Cyber Risk
As the reliance on interconnected technologies expands, cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated, using tools such as AI-powered software and social engineering via Deepfake. Attacks no longer just target core systems, but extend to supply chains and operational technologies, potentially paralyzing entire industries and causing losses beyond data theft.
2. The two extremes of artificial intelligence
AI provides powerful tools for predicting and managing crises, but it also multiplies risks. Attackers use it to scale attacks and build more convincing phishing scams. Rapid adoption of generative AI without governance controls exposes organizations to data breaches, compliance issues, and biased output.
3. Natural Disasters and Climate Extremism
Hurricanes, fires, and floods are becoming more intense and frequent, causing direct disruptions to facilities and chains of disruption to regional economies. Long reconstruction periods and high insurance costs increase chronic risks to operational continuity.
4. Geopolitical conflict
Global tensions, including tariffs, sanctions, and export restrictions, cause sharp fluctuations in trade, energy, and commodities. Organizations with single-regional supply or "just-in-time" inventory models are particularly dependent on missing stability.
5. Business interruptions caused by supply chain shocks
The interconnectedness of supply chains amplifies the impact of any disruption, whether it's port congestion, labor shortages, or digital vulnerabilities. The failure of a single technology provider can create a "digital domino effect" across dozens of organizations.
6. Misinformation and spreading rumors
Disinformation and Deepfake campaigns are accelerating at an unprecedented rate, capable of undermining trust, disrupting crisis communications, and even impacting markets. The World Economic Forum has ranked it as one of the most serious global risks for the next two years.
7. Organizational fragmentation and trade restrictions
Multiple regulatory regimes for data privacy, cybersecurity, and supply chains create uncertainty. Sanctions and export restrictions can change quickly, disrupting cross-border operations and increasing costs.
8. Economic and financial instability
Persistent inflation, interest rate volatility, and shifting trade policies affect working capital and access to credit. Businesses may face sudden supply and demand shocks even if they are in a strong financial position.
9. Talent shortage and skills mismatch
Demographic shifts and rapid technological development are creating gaps in expertise. This leads to slow crisis response, loss of organizational knowledge, and negatively impacts business continuity.
10. Polycrises
Complex crises occur when several independent risks coincide and amplify each other's effects. A geopolitical conflict may coincide with a cyberattack or a natural disaster, rendering traditional crisis management unable to keep up with the situation and forcing a centralized, coordinated response.
Building a future-ready organization through a five-phase strategy
1. Planning
Adopt dynamic risk assessments and use scenario planning to anticipate and prioritize threats before they occur.
2. Monitoring
Maintain round-the-clock vigilance of all assets, people, and supply chains, using AI-powered risk intelligence.
3. Notification
Adopt a rapid response through multi-channel alerts to ensure workers are protected during a crisis.
4. Response
Create a unified operational picture to integrate security, technology and operations teams, enabling effective centralized leadership during the event.
5. Continuous improvement
Turn every crisis into a learning opportunity by conducting post-incident assessments and regularly updating operational plans.
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