New Delhi: Cybercrime is poised to reach unprecedented levels in 2026 as artificial intelligence becomes deeply embedded in digital ecosystems worldwide. According to recent global assessments, ransomware may not top the list of emerging AI-driven threats, but its financial impact continues to climb sharply.
Estimates suggest that global ransomware losses could rise from around ₹4.7 lakh crore in 2025 to nearly ₹6.1 lakh crore in 2026, marking an increase of roughly 30 percent in just one year.
Certified Cyber Crime Investigator Course Launched by Centre for Police Technology
Cybersecurity experts warn that ransomware is no longer merely a threat to profits. For many organisations, it is fast becoming a direct threat to business continuity and survival.
Top 10 AI Cyber Risks Expected in 2026
Security analysts have flagged the following as the most serious risks in the coming year:
- Large-scale attacks driven by AI-enabled malware
- Criminal misuse of advanced AI tools
- Prompt injection turning AI platforms into new attack surfaces
- Humans being targeted as the weakest link
- APIs emerging as easily exploitable entry points
- Ransomware evolving beyond encryption into sophisticated extortion models
- Cyber contagion spreading into industrial systems and operations
- “Imposter employees” posing serious insider threats
- Nation-backed cyber campaigns fuelling global instability
- Persistent weaknesses in credential management
Experts say AI will enable attacks that are faster, more precise and highly scalable, putting small and medium enterprises at particular risk due to limited security budgets and resources.
Scams, data breaches, identity fraud and social engineering attacks are already becoming routine occurrences, with organisations across sectors reporting incidents almost daily.
Security professionals are urging companies not to rely solely on technology upgrades. Instead, they recommend prioritising employee awareness programmes, strong password policies, multi-factor authentication and continuous security audits.
The overall message is clear: as AI grows more powerful, cybercrime will become more aggressive. Industry observers believe 2026 could prove to be a defining year for digital security worldwide.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
