From cybersecurity giants to fast-growing startups, CRN has narrowed the field from thousands of cybersecurity vendors to identify the 100 companies leading the way on security innovation and partner opportunity in 2026.
For the vast majority of top security vendors in 2026, there’s no question that AI remains dominant as a theme. And increasingly, offering advanced GenAI and agentic capabilities is less a differentiator than it is table stakes.
“Clients are just starting to expect that the upgrade they do will include more AI capability,” said Alex Ryals, CISO and senior vice president of solutions at MicroAge, No. 115 on CRN’s 2025 Solution Provider 500.
In the same way that machine learning became core to detection and response tools years ago, LLMs are now rapidly becoming foundational to countless security platforms. “We are [already getting to that point], because the vendors are moving so fast on it,” Ryals said
At the same time that AI is transforming the security industry’s product offerings, many vendors are doubling down on their work with solution and service provider partners—who, as trusted advisers, are often best-positioned to help customers tackle AI risk and intensifying threats.
CRN’s Security 100 for 2026 puts a spotlight on the channel-friendly security vendors partners need to know, breaking down the industry into five categories: endpoint and managed security; identity, access and data security; network security; security operations, risk and threat intelligence; and web, email and application security.
The 20 Coolest Endpoint And Managed Security Companies Of 2026
From AI-powered EDR vendors to widely used MDR platforms, here’s a look at 20 key companies in endpoint and managed security.
The 20 Coolest Identity, Access And Data Security Companies Of 2026: The Security 100
From vendors offering identity and data security to providers of security service edge, here’s a look at 20 key companies in identity, access and data security.
The 20 Coolest Network Security Companies Of 2026 (publishing Feb 18 at 2:00 pm)
From vendors offering SASE platforms and next-gen firewalls to those focused on protecting IoT and edge devices, here’s a look at 20 key companies in network security.
The 20 Coolest Security Operations, Risk And Threat Intelligence Companies Of 2026 (publishing Feb 18 at 10:00 am)
From vendors that provide agentic SOC tools to those offering advanced threat feeds, here’s a look at 20 key companies in security operations, risk and threat intelligence.
The 20 Coolest Web, Email and Application Security Companies Of 2026 (publishing Feb 18 at 12:00 pm)
From AI-powered vendors protecting email inboxes and web browsers, to providers of modern code security, here’s a look at 20 key companies in web, email and application security.
