Cybersecurity Spending Rises as AI Reshapes IT Budgets and Staffing
Barracuda Networks, Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026
An ETR survey found cybersecurity spending still growing 7.8% yearly even as AI reshapes IT budgets and jobs.
Citing an ETR survey of 1,636 technology leaders, this Barracuda post reports that cybersecurity spending continues to grow at 7.8% year-over-year even as organizations redirect IT budgets toward AI initiatives.
While 18% of respondents have shifted security software funds toward AI adoption, security teams face far fewer staffing cuts than other IT functions, with only 23% expecting headcount reductions compared to 60% in IT support roles.
The piece argues that as attackers use AI to speed up and scale attacks, organizations will need substantial cybersecurity talent to respond in real time, making broad security layoffs unlikely.