According to the CCNE European crisis experts, cyberattacks remain the biggest threat to businesses. This is evident from a recent study by the Crisis Communications Network Europe (CCNE), in which the network surveyed its members – crisis experts from 19 different countries. Almost 70 percent of respondents view cyber crises as the greatest potential risk for their clients. Economic crises, with their consequences such as job cuts and bankruptcies, were seen as the second greatest risk. Reputation-damaging media coverage and the regional impacts of climate change were also rated as particularly relevant.
These results confirm trends already identified in the 2025 survey. Cyber crises, economic uncertainty and geopolitical instability have gained particular significance over the past year.
„Our network members are increasingly being called upon in the event of cyberattacks and cyber crises“, says Frank Schroedter, crises expert and managing director of Engel & Zimmermann. „Given hybrid threat scenarios and the increasing use of artificial intelligence by cybercriminals, we expect this trend to continue. Due to the potentially significant economic damage, companies should prepare for such scenarios in a targeted manner, both operationally and in terms of communication.“
Companies face a wide range of cyber risks
However, cyberattacks are just one of the many challenges that companies currently face. In addition to traditional crisis situations such as workplace accidents or product recalls, the experts support their clients during economic crises, supply chain disruptions, trade conflicts, as well as critical media coverage and social media crises.
Artificial intelligence as a new driver of crisis
Another finding from the survey initiated by Engel & Zimmermann: Nearly half of the participants consider digital threats to be among the most important issues in future crises. These are often directly linked to artificial intelligence.
Loss of trust, disinformation and the use of increasingly realistic deepfakes are cited as particular risks. Discussions within the European network show that deepfakes are already being used in some countries to blackmail companies and organisations. Respondents expect such AI-driven forms of manipulation to significantly impact crisis communications in the coming years, presenting companies with ever new challenges
According to the experts, geopolitical developments and the consequences of climate change are also among the key drivers of future crises. Network members already regularly assist companies in dealing with the impacts of trade conflicts, tariffs, and climate-related changes, such as extreme weather events. They expect these issues to become even more relevant in the coming years.
The results of this year’s annual “Pulse Check” were presented and discussed at the two-day CCNE network meeting in Lisbon. The event was hosted by the Portuguese network partner The Equator Company.
About the survey
The written survey was conducted in March and April 2026. Participants included decision-makers, such as owners, managing directors and team leaders from 19 network member agencies across 19 countries.
About CCNE
The Crisis Communications Network Europe (CCNE) currently brings together 20 predominantly European, owner-managed communication agencies with proven expertise in crisis communications. Through their strong national roots and close collaborations within the network, members support companies in cross-border crisis situations and promote international knowledge exchange. 247 communication from Poland, Alder UK, Brunnen Communications Finland, Clavis Italy, Corporate Matters from Denmark, Crysalide France, Fuzion Ireland, Lighthouse PR Romania, Ojars Sture Consulting from Latvia, PM Belgium, Reputation Antistress Ukraine, Reputation Science Switzerland, Grunberger & Partner Austria, Roke Turkey, Senor Lobo & Friends from Spain, Taktik in Slovenia, and Van Hulzen Communicatie Netherlands are the CCNE members participating in the survey.