According to CrowdStrike’s Global Threat Report 2026, cyber attacks by AI-enabled adversaries surged by 89% from the previous year. Threat actors leveraged AI for various malicious activities, including enhanced phishing techniques, malware development, and disinformation campaigns. AI accelerated the speed and sophistication of attacks, enabling less skilled adversaries while empowering advanced groups like Russia’s Fancy Bear, which used large language models (LLMs) for espionage tasks against Ukraine. As AI becomes integral to development and operational environments, it also introduces new vulnerabilities, allowing adversaries to exploit legitimate AI tools for nefarious purposes. Key examples include increased AI use in campaigns by groups like Punk Spider and Famous Chollima and AI-generated misinformation impacting elections. To combat these threats, organizations must prioritize AI in incident response strategies, emphasizing identity verification and ongoing security training. CrowdStrike warns that security must keep pace with AI innovations, labeling the situation as an “AI arms race,” emphasizing the need for proactive defenses.
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