CYBER-RELATED challenges dominate the top 10 people risks highlighted in Marsh’s 2026 People Risks report, which is compiled from interviews with over 4500 HR and risk professionals across 26 global markets. The survey found that technological change and disruption were cited most often, with “cyber-threat literacy” placed first and skills shortages in cyber and AI ranking third.
Mindset barriers to AI adoption came in sixth, alongside concerns about knowledge of AI risks and mitigations and non-compliance with AI policy. Marsh argued that these factors together could heighten the risk of cyber-attacks and breaches, erode competitiveness and hinder pace with the evolving threat landscape, and damage reputation and trust.
The article notes that the challenges of low security awareness persist, and according to the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) new guidance was released in January to help mitigate insider risk. Ed Ventham of Assured suggested the real issue extends beyond understanding cyber risk, emphasising business impact when incidents occur, including potential revenue and contractual consequences.