National Cybersecurity Emergency Extended Through 2026

National Cybersecurity Emergency Extended for Another Year

In a move that underscores the persistent threat landscape facing the United States, President Donald J. Trump has extended the national emergency regarding significant malicious cyber-enabled activities for another year, continuing a state of emergency first declared in April 2015. The extension, effective beyond April 1, 2025, maintains special powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to address foreign cyber activities that pose risks to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economy.

The original national emergency was declared by Executive Order 13694 on April 1, 2015, to address threats to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economy from cyber attacks originating outside the United States. Subsequent executive orders (13757, 13984, 14110, 14144, and 14148) have taken additional steps to address this ongoing threat. The notice states that these malicious cyber activities continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat, requiring the national emergency to remain in effect beyond April 1, 2025, for an additional year as authorized by the National Emergencies Act.

Economic and Market Implications

The continuation of this emergency declaration comes at a critical time for cybersecurity markets and economic planning. According to recent industry reports, cybersecurity budget growth has slowed significantly, dropping from 8% in 2024 to just 4% in 2025 - the lowest rate in five years - as economic uncertainty impacts security investments. However, global cybersecurity spending is projected to exceed $520 billion annually by 2026, up from $260 billion in 2021, with AI expanding a $2 trillion total addressable market for cybersecurity providers.

'The mixed economic outlook for cybersecurity budgets heading into 2026 creates both challenges and opportunities,' said cybersecurity analyst Mark Thompson. 'While spending growth has slowed, the continued national emergency declaration signals that threats remain severe, which should drive renewed investment in critical infrastructure protection.'

The emergency powers allow the government to impose sanctions, restrict transactions, and take other measures against foreign entities engaged in malicious cyber activities. This has significant implications for international business and trade, particularly for companies operating in sectors deemed critical infrastructure.

Community Impact and Local Responses

While the national emergency focuses on foreign threats, local communities across America are facing their own cybersecurity crises. In March 2025, the City of Mission, Texas declared a local state of disaster following a severe cybersecurity incident that threatened the city's entire computer server. Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza issued the emergency declaration after the initial cyber threat was identified on February 28, 2025.

The potential breach could expose protected personal information, health records, civil and criminal records, and other critical data managed by city departments. 'We fear sensitive government data could be compromised, potentially leading to identity theft, disruption of city services, and legal complications,' Mayor Garza stated in her emergency declaration.

To help communities like Mission, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have announced over $100 million in cybersecurity grant funding to strengthen community cyber defenses. The funding consists of two separate grants: the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) with $91.7 million for state and local governments, and the Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program (TCGP) with $12.1 million for tribal governments.

Future Threats and AI Challenges

Looking ahead to 2026, cybersecurity experts warn of increasingly sophisticated threats. PwC's 2026 Cybersecurity Outlook predicts a shift toward stealthier, identity-centric cyber operations where adversaries increasingly 'log in' rather than 'break in' by exploiting legitimate accounts. The report highlights six key priorities for building proactive resilience, with AI emerging as both a tool for defense and a vector for attack.

'Adversaries are using AI to amplify attacks like deepfakes and automated intrusions while also targeting AI systems themselves, turning them into insider threats,' explained Sarah Chen, a cybersecurity researcher at PwC. 'Success requires cohesive integration of security priorities with agile strategies that evolve as fast as emerging threats.'

The World Economic Forum's Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026 report provides forward-looking analysis on emerging cybersecurity trends and challenges, examining how digital transformation, emerging technologies, and geopolitical factors will shape cybersecurity priorities through 2026. The report likely addresses critical issues such as AI-powered threats, supply chain vulnerabilities, and regulatory developments.

Policy Implications and International Relations

The continued national emergency declaration has significant policy implications, particularly in the realm of international relations and trade. The emergency powers allow the U.S. government to take swift action against foreign entities engaged in cyber espionage, intellectual property theft, and infrastructure attacks.

According to the official notice published on March 27, 2025, the emergency has been expanded through subsequent executive orders in 2016, 2021, 2023, and 2025, with Executive Order 14148 revoking Executive Order 14110 in 2025. This demonstrates an evolving approach to cybersecurity threats that adapts to changing technological and geopolitical landscapes.

'The extension of this emergency declaration reflects the reality that cyber threats are not diminishing but evolving,' said former CISA director Christopher Krebs. 'We need sustained attention and resources to protect our digital infrastructure, which has become as critical as our physical infrastructure.'

As the emergency continues through 2026, businesses, governments, and communities must remain vigilant. The combination of national emergency powers, local disaster declarations, and evolving threat landscapes creates a complex cybersecurity environment that requires coordinated response at all levels of society.