AI is poised to become the dominant cyber threat by 2026, according to Experian’s 13th Annual Data Breach Industry Forecast. The report outlines six key predictions for the coming year, highlighting how artificial intelligence will enable cybercriminals to launch more sophisticated, personalized, and hard-to-detect attacks. With over 8,000 global data breaches recorded in the first half of 2025—exposing around 345 million records—organizations are facing an escalating threat landscape. The forecast reveals that AI will be used to create highly convincing synthetic identities, generate realistic deepfakes, and deploy autonomous AI agents capable of executing attacks without human intervention. Malware will evolve to become shape-shifting and adaptive, evading traditional detection methods. Even emerging technologies like brain-computer interfaces could become targets, opening new frontiers for cyber threats. Michael Bruemmer, Vice President of Global Data Breach Resolution at Experian, emphasized that cybercriminals are quick to adopt new technologies. “Technology is evolving at breakneck speed, and cybercriminals are often the first to exploit tools like AI to outpace defenses,” he said. He urged organizations to not only strengthen their security but also prepare for the aftermath of breaches by leveraging innovation to stay ahead. Jim Steven, Head of Crisis and Data Response Services at Experian in the UK, warned that attacks are no longer just about data theft—they’re about manipulating reality. “Organizations must prepare for threats that are faster, smarter, and harder to detect,” he said. “The time to act is now.” Consumer concerns are rising. Research conducted by Experian in the U.S. and U.K. shows that many people feel vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated scams. Younger generations, in particular, are at higher risk, and victims often report feeling abandoned by the companies they trust after a breach. A growing number question whether businesses are truly equipped to handle advanced cyber threats. Experian’s Data Breach Resolution services, with over 21 years of experience and more than 69,000 incidents managed, offer comprehensive support including global notifications, multilingual call centers, and identity protection tools like credit monitoring and dark web surveillance. Its Reserved Response™ service ensures immediate staffing and infrastructure readiness for crises in over 100 countries. The report will be discussed at the Financial Times Cyber Resilience Summit: Europe in London on December 3, 2025, during a panel titled “How can leaders combat emerging cyber security threats?” featuring Jim Steven. Experian, a FTSE 100 company headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, operates in 32 countries with 25,100 employees. The company uses data, analytics, and software to help businesses and individuals manage risk, prevent fraud, and achieve financial goals across industries including finance, healthcare, automotive, and insurance.