Vendors with new products and capabilities for discovery unsanctioned “shadow AI” tools and securing the usage of AI and agents in real time made CRN’s AI 100 list for 2026.

From protecting sensitive data in AI applications to securing the activities of AI agents, a vast array of vendors in the cybersecurity industry have now expanded into the AI security space. The widespread adoption of all manner of AI-powered tools for productivity has led to high demand for new products and capabilities from security vendors—especially those products that can reduce the risk of data breaches and other cyberattacks via the AI attack surface.

[Related: 10 Key AI Security Controls For 2026]

As part of CRN’s AI 100 for 2026, we’ve selected 20 cybersecurity vendors that that have brought new capabilities focused on boosting visibility through discovery—both for how employees are using sanctioned AI tools as well as the usage of unsanctioned “shadow AI” systems.

Another major emphasis has been on the rise of autonomous or semi‑autonomous AI agents, and the need to secure their activities in real time to prevent data exposure and other cyber risks. In this vein, security and management around identity, access and privileges is pivotal, as reflected in many of the new products now hitting the market.

Underlying many of the latest AI security product releases is a focus on providing enforcement in real time and detecting threats as they are occurring, not merely after the fact. Ultimately, the urgency of concerns around AI and agentic AI is driving massive investment in new capabilities from the security industry, creating huge new opportunities for solution providers that work with leading vendors.

What follows are the 20 hottest AI security companies of 2026.

https://www.crn.com/news/security/2026/the-20-hottest-ai-cybersecurity-companies-the-2026-crn-ai-100