Below is a list of the most popular cyber security stocks. There are quite a few you can look into. Working from home isn’t going away anytime soon. We’ve learned we don’t need to be in an office to be productive. And it’s changed how we work. Which means we need a secure network.
With every high-profile digital security breach, like that of the Colonial Pipeline, agreeing to pay $4.4 million in ransom to the criminals who shut down their operations, two things result.
This result will push more hackers to find vulnerabilities in companies’ networks and systems to gain in a similar way. The need for cybersecurity will increase. And the value of effective cybersecurity companies goes up.
The following cybersecurity stocks have the lowest one-year trailing P/E (price to earnings) ratio. This metric is valuable because profits can be used as dividends or stock buybacks. With a low P/E ratio, the profit generated is greater for each dollar spent on the stock price.
Best Cyber Security Stocks 2026
| Symbol | Name |
|---|---|
| CACI | CACI International |
| CHKP | Check Point Soft. |
| RBBN | Ribbon Comm. |
| CRWD | CrowdStrike |
| PANW | Palo Alto Networks |
| FTNT | Fortinet |
| ZS | Zscaler |
| NET | Cloudflare |
| S | SentinelOne |
| OKTA | Okta |
Cyber Security Stocks Breakdown
The primary purpose of cybersecurity is to protect electronic data from damage or theft. This security is accomplished through procedures, hardware, and software.
Cybersecurity security companies’ stocks will focus mainly on the hardware and software side of this process to ensure the safety of private users, a company’s, or even governmental data.
The three largest cybersecurity companies by revenue are Norton LifeLock, McAfee, and Palo Alto Networks, none of which made our lists. If you want to invest in cybersecurity companies and wish to diversify easily, there are three ETFs in the sector:
- First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR)
- Global X Cybersecurity ETF (BUG)
- iShares Cybersecurity and Tech ETF (IHAK)
ETFMG Prime Cyber Security ETF (HACK).
The Nasdaq CTA Cybersecurity Index (NQCYBR) tracks the industry and is up 38% over the past year (as of May 21, 2021), with the S&P up 44% for the same period.
We’ve broken our list of cybersecurity stocks into Growth, Value, and Momentum stocks; stocks overlap in more than one category. These companies are all major players in cybersecurity, but may be broader network solutions companies. The NQCYBR has a broader range of stocks that make up its composition.
CACI International (NYSE: CACI)
CACI International also leads the value list (see more information about CACI in growth stocks). Over the past year, their price has only increased from 230 to 247 per share.
Ribbon Comm. (NYSE: RBBN)
Ribbon Communications Inc. is also a network solutions provider focusing on companies in the communications services sector. It offers policy and routing servers, cloud, mobility solutions, media and signaling gateways, and more.
Check Point Soft. (NASDAQ: CHKP)
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. develops and manufactures software and hardware products focused on cyber and IT security. Beyond management solutions, they protect networks, gateways, data, and endpoints.
Cyber Security Growth Company Stocks
The following cyber security companies’ stocks have the greatest change in YOY EPS. This metric change indicates that the company produces money that can be invested or returned to shareholders.
CACI International Inc. (NYSE: CACI)
CACI International is not just a cybersecurity play but a world-class information technology products, solutions, and services company. They provide information assurance, security, systems integration, reengineering, electronic commerce, and related services. They can design a robust cybersecurity infrastructure by looking at the full company’s IT systems.
Fortinet Inc. (NASDAQ: FTNT)
Fortinet is a focused network IT security company that offers solutions to the cybersecurity needs of various enterprises, service providers, and government organizations. Their systems utilize multiple security technologies, including antivirus, antispam, firewall, VPN, intrusion prevention, and more.
The company is a top firewall provider, a leader in revenue and market cap in the industry, and has seen tremendous growth recently. However, unlike Palo Alto, Fortinet organically developed its cloud security system. It is also expanding internationally thanks to its partnership with Telefònica in Europe and Singapore’s Quantum Engineering Programme for next-generation security for quantum computing. Fortinet is very diversified, but is it a good investment?
In the past years, Fortinet has been a great investment. Almost every quarterly earnings report saw steady growth in revenue and profits. Furthermore, the company has had a positive cash flow since 2009. However, Fortinet announced lower-than-expected revenue for the next quarter early in August due to weak IT spending. They will still be profitable, but the margins won’t meet expectations. Nevertheless, you should add Fortinet to your stock watchlist if it isn’t there already.
Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH)
Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp. is another technology and management consulting company similar to CACI. The company provides the highest level of analytics, digital, engineering, and cyber solutions, among other services. It serves customers that include the US Government and multinational corporations worldwide.
Palo Alto Networks (NYSE: PANW)
Palo Alto Networks is this cybersecurity stock’s largest pure-play cybersecurity stock by market cap and revenue. It is among the leaders in the cybersecurity field. Its firewalls help offices and data centers fight data breaches. Palo Alto is also heavily investing in the cloud business.
It has acquired over 10 smaller cloud companies, which helped develop its cloud security services. Its management predicts double-digit yearly revenue growth thanks to its security systems adapted to protect companies from all kinds of data breaches.
Not only has Palo Alto’s stock increased by more than 200% in the last 5 years, but its revenue and profit margins have also steadily increased. Mainly, it is profitable, which many newer companies are struggling with. If you’re looking for an established company in the cybersecurity industry, Palo Alto is an excellent candidate.
Best Momentum Cyber Security Stocks
The following cybersecurity stocks have seen the best returns over the past year. This metric can be good if you believe money will continue to follow.
CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD)
CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. is a holding company with subsidiaries that offers a robust cybersecurity platform. Its products include antivirus and endpoint detection, response, device control, vulnerability management, and threat intelligence.
Its business involves anything connected to a network, such as laptops, computers, and smartphones. Therefore, it is well adapted to cloud security threats. CrowdStrike has been investing in AI machine learning to detect breaches and hopes to generate more growth through this technology.
Overall, things are going in the right direction. Its services are growing, and partnerships with other tech companies are increasing.
Zscaler Inc. (NASDAQ: ZS)
Zscaler Inc. is a company providing security software and related services. They have a cloud-based web and mobile security platform designed to address cloud application visibility, threat protection, and other networking challenges.
Cloudflare Inc. (NYSE: NET)
Cloudflare Inc. is an application software company. They offer solutions for cybersecurity, analysis, domain registration, load balancing, and video streaming.
Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO)
Last on this list is Cisco, one of the world’s leading digital communications technology conglomerates. The company sells software, hardware, and telecommunications equipment and provides various services and IT consulting for corporations.
Although cybersecurity is nowhere near Cisco’s largest market segment, it offers its clients a range of tools to protect them from data breaches.
Cisco’s revenues have been stagnant for some time. However, the company’s recent investments in AI-led cybersecurity and constant progress in its other market segments make it a strong contender.
Cyber Security Stock ETFs
If you aren’t looking to invest in individual cyber security stocks, maybe a cybersecurity ETF is more for you. Stocks in these ETFs are very diverse and touch other technology industry sectors.
First Trust Cybersecurity (NASDAQ: CIBR)
Most of First Trust’s ETF holdings are mid- and large-cap stocks in the technology sector. This fund has more than $5.2B in AUM. Most of the stocks here are pure-play cybersecurity stocks, but many companies operate in complementary industries such as aerospace and defense. Three of the stocks mentioned above are in its top five holdings. The expense ratio is only 0.6%, and the dividend yield is 0.32%.
Vanguard IT (NYSEMKT: VGT)
Vanguard’s ETF is much more diverse than the other ETFs on this list. There are 322 technology stocks in this fund, and its AUM is over $62B. However, almost 45% of the fund is invested in Apple and Microsoft. Their weight heavily dictates the price direction of the fund.
The only stock mentioned in Vanguard’s top 10 holdings in the first section is Cisco (1.83%). Thankfully, its dividend yield is better than First Trust’s.
ETFMG Prime Cyber Security (NYSEMKT: HACK)
We conclude this list of cybersecurity stocks and ETFs with the ETFMG Prime Cyber Security ETF and its $1.4B of AUM. The main difference with this fund is its choice of 53 stocks. There are many more small-cap stocks. Palo Alto, Cisco, and Fortinet are in its top 10, but the number 1 holding is Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp Cl A (NYSE: BAH).
It is an American government and military contractor that specializes in intelligence. Unfortunately, this ETF has performed poorly compared to the other 2 ETFs on this list due to riskier stock pick choices. Its dividend yield is also below that of its competitors, only 0.17%.
CIBR ETF Performance (2026 YTD)
| Year | Performance | 2026 (YTD) | +6.6% |
|---|---|
| 2025 | +28.7% |
| 2024 | +41.3% |
| 2023 | +49.2% |
| 2022 | -32.4% |
Final Thoughts on Cyber Security Stocks
All the devices around us connected to a network are protected thanks to cybersecurity companies. This industry is expected to grow for many years to come. If you want a long-term investment in an established and even more promising field, cybersecurity might be for you.
There are many more stocks available in this industry. You can spend an entire day reviewing all its stocks and deciding which fits your investment goals.
We hope this list of cyber security companies’ stocks can help you make investing decisions. Remember, never put more than you can lose at risk, and good luck with your trades! Please do not buy any securities on this cyber security stocks list unless you know how to trade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cloudflare is the best cyber security stock to watch.
Deloitte, PwC, Ernst & Young, and KPMG are the big four in cybersecurity.
Yes, this industry is rapidly growing. Therefore, it's a good investment.
