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Artificial intelligence, geopolitical tensions, and the rapid rise of online fraud are reshaping the global cybersecurity landscape at an unprecedented pace, according to a new report released by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
The report, titled “Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026”, warns that cyber risks are becoming more complex and interconnected, turning cybersecurity into a strategic priority for governments, businesses, and societies worldwide.
“Cybersecurity [this year] is accelerating amid growing threats, geopolitical fragmentation and a widening technological divide. AI is transforming cyber on both sides of the fight, strengthening defence while enabling more sophisticated attacks,” the report states.
The WEF notes that cybersecurity is no longer a purely technical concern but a core strategic challenge. According to the report, 64 per cent of organizations are now factoring geopolitically motivated cyberattacks, including espionage and attacks on critical infrastructure into their risk strategies.
“In this landscape, cybersecurity is no longer a backroom technical function; it is a core strategic concern for governments, businesses and societies,” the report adds.
Online Fraud a ‘Pervasive Threat’
Developed in collaboration with Accenture, the report highlights that cyber-enabled fraud has become a pervasive global threat, with growing economic and social consequences.
“This shift underscores the growing societal and economic impact of fraud as it spreads across regions and sectors,” the report notes.
WEF Managing Director Jeremy Jurgens said: “As cyber risks become more interconnected and consequential, cyber-enabled fraud has emerged as one of the most disruptive forces in the digital economy, undermining trust and directly affecting people’s lives.”
AI Accelerating Cyber Risks
The report finds that AI-related vulnerabilities rose faster than any other cyber risk category in 2025, with 87 per cent of respondents reporting an increase. Concerns for 2026 include data leaks linked to generative AI (34pc) and advancing adversarial capabilities (29pc).
At the same time, 94 per cent of leaders expect AI to be the most influential factor shaping cybersecurity this year. As a result, organizations assessing AI-related security risks have nearly doubled, rising from 37pc to 64pc.
Supply Chains Under Pressure
Supply chain vulnerabilities remain a major concern. Among large organizations, 65pc identified third-party and supply chain risks as their biggest cybersecurity challenge, up from 54pc last year. The report warns that failures at major cloud and internet service providers can quickly spread across interconnected digital systems.
