Endpoint Security Failures Cost Enterprises $400B Annually, Report Finds
Event summary
- Absolute Security's 2026 Resilience Risk Index reveals endpoint security software fails 21% of the time.
- Globally distributed PCs are vulnerable to cyber incidents for up to 76 days per year, contributing to $400 billion in annual downtime losses.
- Critical OS patching lags an average of 127 days, a significant increase from 56 days in 2025.
- 10% of PCs still run Windows 10, which ended support in October 2025, creating a significant security risk.
- Enterprises are rapidly equipping PCs with AI-ready hardware (96% with 16-32 GB RAM), while security tools fail 20% of the time.
The big picture
The report highlights a widening gap between the rapid adoption of AI-powered devices and the ability of existing security infrastructure to protect them. This is exacerbated by the ongoing reliance on legacy operating systems and a persistent failure rate in endpoint security software, creating a significant vulnerability for enterprises globally. The $400 billion annual downtime cost underscores the urgent need for a more resilient approach to cybersecurity, moving beyond reactive threat detection to proactive risk mitigation.
What we're watching
- Governance Dynamics
- The increasing adoption of AI-ready hardware without commensurate security improvements will likely trigger stricter governance mandates from regulators and internal audit functions.
- Regulatory Headwinds
- The continued use of Windows 10 devices beyond support will intensify pressure from compliance teams and potentially lead to fines or operational restrictions.
- Execution Risk
- Absolute Security’s ability to capitalize on the growing demand for cyber resilience solutions will depend on its ability to scale its platform and maintain its partnerships with device manufacturers.
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