Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming one of the most influential forces shaping the global cybersecurity landscape, even as ransomware attacks, major data breaches and regulatory debates continue to dominate security discussions. Recent developments across industries suggest that AI is no longer just a technological innovation but a central element in how governments, companies and cybercriminals approach digital security.
According to Check Point Research, ransomware attacks rose by 48% in May 2026, despite an overall easing in cyberattack activity during the month. The education sector remained the most targeted industry globally, recording an average of 4,641 weekly cyberattacks per organisation, representing a 7% increase from a year earlier. Government institutions and telecommunications organisations followed among the most frequently targeted sectors.
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Ransomware Continues to Pressure Organisations
The rise in ransomware activity was reflected in several high-profile incidents reported during the month. Convenience store chain 7-Eleven confirmed a cybersecurity breach after the cybercriminal group ShinyHunters gained unauthorised access to systems used for managing franchisee documents. The group subsequently leaked 9.4GB of stolen records after negotiations failed.
Technology manufacturing companies were also affected. Foxconn, a semiconductor manufacturer whose clients include Apple, Google, Nvidia and Sony, was reportedly targeted in an extortion attack. The attackers claimed to have stolen more than 11 million files, including confidential customer-related information.
These incidents highlight how ransomware groups continue to target organisations across diverse sectors, seeking financial gain through data theft and extortion rather than relying solely on system disruption.
AI Security and Regulation Move Into Focus
At the same time, AI has emerged as a major cybersecurity policy issue. Anthropic suspended access to its newly released Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models after US authorities raised national security concerns shortly after their launch. The company said it had been instructed to restrict access for foreign nationals amid concerns that potential “jailbreaking” methods could be used to identify or exploit cyber vulnerabilities.
The growing importance of AI in cybersecurity policy was further reflected in legislative developments in the United States. A draft of the Great American AI Act proposes the creation of a federal AI governance framework through a new Center for AI Standards and Innovation within the Department of Commerce. The proposal includes transparency requirements, risk assessments, incident reporting obligations and verification measures for AI companies, with penalties reaching up to $1 million per violation.
The developments underline how AI is increasingly being viewed not only as a tool for innovation but also as a technology requiring oversight because of its potential impact on national security and cyber defence.
Data Breaches Highlight Expanding Digital Risks
Several major data breach cases also drew attention during the month. Genetic testing company Chrome Holding, formerly known as 23andMe, is facing legal action from California over a 2023 data breach that exposed family and genetic information belonging to nearly seven million customers. The company had previously been fined by the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office over data protection shortcomings.
Carnival Cruises disclosed that close to six million passengers may have had personal information exposed after hackers reportedly used social engineering techniques to gain access to the company’s IT systems. The company has offered affected US customers two years of complimentary credit monitoring.
Meanwhile, GitHub reported a security incident in which attackers allegedly used a Visual Studio Code extension to compromise an employee device and steal source code. Although the company said there was no evidence that customer-facing systems were affected, it estimated that approximately 3,800 internal repositories were accessed.
Together, these incidents illustrate how cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly interconnected with AI, regulation, data protection and corporate governance. As ransomware campaigns intensify and governments move to establish rules for advanced AI systems, artificial intelligence is emerging as one of the defining issues shaping the future of cybersecurity worldwide.
