Essential Insights
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Focus on Agentic AI Risks: Nearly half of cybersecurity professionals believe agentic AI will be the primary target for cybercriminals by 2026, as its widespread adoption raises security concerns about vulnerabilities in infrastructures.
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Deepfakes as a Major Threat: 29% of respondents anticipate deepfakes becoming a primary method for cyberattacks on high-profile targets, emphasizing the need for rapid detection and response rather than just prevention.
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Cyber-Risk Elevation: Recognition of cyber-risk as a Tier 1 operational priority for boards is growing, driven by the increasing concerns surrounding agentic AI and its potential threats.
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Slow Adoption of Password Solutions: Only 10% see password elimination and passkey adoption as likely to succeed this year, highlighting ongoing risk as organizations struggle to adapt security measures amidst evolving digital threats.
Agentic AI: A Growing Target for Cybercrime
The digital landscape is evolving, and so are the security challenges organizations face. A recent poll highlights agentic AI as the primary concern for cybersecurity teams in 2026. Nearly half of respondents believe it will become the top attack vector for cybercriminals and nation-state threats. Organizations adopt agentic AI for various purposes, from streamlining operations to enhancing competitiveness. However, there is concern that rapid adoption may compromise security. Experts warn about the increased attack surface created by the autonomy and access levels of these systems. As companies rush in, the fear is that developers might deploy insecure code. Open source AI and “shadow AI” present additional vulnerabilities as employees may use them without proper oversight, amplifying the risks.
Deepfakes: An Emerging Social Engineering Threat
In addition to agentic AI, deepfakes are gaining traction as a significant tool for cybercriminals. Nearly a third of poll respondents expect deepfakes to become the primary method for targeting high-profile individuals and organizations. The technology has evolved quickly, creating convincing fraudulent videos that can manipulate perceptions. Despite this growing threat, many enterprises lack adequate defenses against deepfake tactics. Experts suggest that while prevention is critical, the focus should also be on rapid detection and response. Traditional security measures may not suffice in addressing these advanced threats, highlighting the need for vigilance in the face of ever-evolving cyber risks.
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