Artificial intelligence is set to reshape the global cybersecurity landscape in 2026, with Google warning that cybercriminals will use AI to scale attacks faster and more effectively. According to Google’s Cybersecurity Forecast 2026, both defenders and attackers are turning to AI tools, creating a new era of automated threats and defences.
The report says AI is already being used to automate phishing, clone voices, and spread disinformation. One of the fastest-growing threats is prompt injection, a method that manipulates AI systems to ignore safety rules and execute hidden instructions. As more businesses adopt AI systems, such attacks are becoming easier to launch and harder to detect.
AI is also transforming social engineering. Cyber groups are now using realistic voice cloning and sophisticated phishing to impersonate executives or IT staff. Google highlighted the growing risk from AI agents, which can act autonomously to complete tasks. These systems will require new digital identities and stronger access controls, as traditional security methods built for human users will not be sufficient.
Security operations are also changing. Analysts will increasingly rely on AI to summarise alerts, manage incidents, and execute containment steps automatically. However, this shift introduces new oversight challenges and increases the need for clear governance.
“While adversaries are certainly trying to use mainstream AI platforms, guardrails have driven many to models available in the criminal underground. Those tools are unrestricted and can offer a significant advantage to the less advanced,” said Billy Leonard, tech lead, Google Threat Intelligence Group.
The report also warns about the rise of shadow agents, where employees use unauthorised AI tools without realising the data security risks. Instead of banning such tools, Google recommends clear guardrails and monitoring to manage their use safely.
Cybercrime remains a growing concern, with ransomware and data theft continuing to dominate. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, over 2,300 victims were listed on leak sites, the highest number since tracking began in 2020. Attackers are increasingly exploiting software supply chains, zero-day vulnerabilities, and blockchain platforms to steal and move assets anonymously.
Nation-state cyber operations are expected to expand as well. Russia will shift toward global objectives, China will focus on espionage and AI technology, Iran will continue regional influence campaigns, and North Korea will target cryptocurrency theft and intelligence gathering.
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