'AI is accelerating cybersecurity risks at unprecedented speed': World Economic Forum

Bengaluru: AI-related vulnerabilities are increasing, with about 87% of APAC organisations having experienced the same in 2025. This is the fastest-growing category of cyber risk, and 93% of APAC leaders expect AI to be the most-consequential force shaping cybersecurity in 2026, according to the World Economic Forum's Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026, published in collaboration with Accenture. It said that this year’s findings show a clear shift against the weaponisation of AI, persistent geopolitical friction and systemic supply-chain risks.

Top concerns heading into 2026 are data leaks linked to Gen AI (41%) and advancing adversarial capabilities (26%). Geopolitics is also a defining feature of cybersecurity, as in 2026, 64% of organisations are accounting for geopolitically-motivated cyberattacks, such as disruption of critical infrastructure or espionage, followed by disinformation at 49%.

In the survey, 73% of respondents reported that they or someone in their network had been personally affected by cyber-enabled fraud over the course of 2025.

With 93% of APAC leaders expecting AI to be the most-consequential force shaping the future of cybersecurity, organisations are significantly increasing their vetting of AI tools from 48% in 2025 to 70% in 2026, indicating that more organisations are now prioritising official safety standards and responsible management over rapid adoption.

Jacky Fox, Global Lead, Security Strategy Practice, Accenture, said, “Globally, we’re seeing cyber fraud escalate, and AI heighten exposure in ways that challenge even the most-prepared organisations. Across the APAC region, the impact is sharp, as rapid technological adoption confronts a complex threat landscape."

"Organisations must strengthen oversight of AI systems, work closely across sectors to address fast-evolving risks, and invest in skills and capabilities needed to reduce widening resilience gaps. Building collective resilience is no longer optional — it is essential to ensure trust and stability in a more interconnected and unpredictable digital world," she added.

The report added that 66% of APAC respondents were directly affected by or knew someone impacted by cyber-enabled fraud in 2025.