Australia's Cybersecurity Spending to Exceed AU$7.5 Billion in 2026

Australian organizations are projected to spend over AU$7.5 billion on information security in 2026, marking a 9.5% increase from 2025. This growth is driven by persistent threats, the expanding use of AI by both defenders and attackers, and a talent shortage in the cybersecurity workforce. Security software spending is expected to rise by 12.3% to over AU$3.3 billion, with AI-amplified cybersecurity products becoming prevalent. Gartner predicts that by 2028, over 75% of enterprises will utilize AI-driven security solutions. Security services will remain the largest spending segment, reaching more than AU$3.7 billion, driven by the need for AI-literate personnel. The Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit is currently taking place in Sydney, focusing on advancing information security strategies.

Key Points: • Australian cybersecurity spending will exceed AU$7.5 billion in 2026, a 9.5% increase from 2025. • AI-driven security solutions are expected to dominate the market, with 75% of enterprises using them by 2028. • Security services will be the largest segment, reaching over AU$3.7 billion in 2026.