PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A significant rise in data breaches was observed in 2025, with projections for 2026 indicating an even more alarming scenario. A recent report by Experian highlights the increasing utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) to exacerbate these threats.
Last year, the average U.S. adult received five notifications of data breaches, as reported by Michael Bruemmer, vice president of data breach resolution and consumer protection at Experian. The 2026 Data Breach Industry Forecast emphasizes that the coming year will see heightened risks, with AI featured in five out of six risk predictions.
Autonomous AI agents introduce fresh challenges
Bruemmer indicates that cybercriminals may deploy autonomous AI agents to infiltrate networks, leading to theft of funds and sensitive data. He notes that these “agentic AI” systems mimic human decision-making, enhancing their capacity for complex attacks.
Further complicating matters is the ability of AI to produce highly realistic synthetic identities by amalgamating valid personal information from various sources. “This could involve my Social Security number combined with someone else’s date of birth and address,” Bruemmer explained, emphasizing a new frontier in identity theft.
Adaptive malware presents detection challenges
The report also highlights the threat of shape-shifting malware capable of evading detection mechanisms. Bruemmer likens this evolving threat to “an electronic COVID SARS virus,” predicting increased disruptions in 2026.
Strategies for safeguarding data
Bruemmer asserts that breaches and scams are unavoidable, underscoring the necessity of preventive measures. “The reality is that breaches are not a matter of ‘if,’ but ‘when,'” he states, stressing the importance of vigilance.
To mitigate risks, consumers and businesses should refrain from clicking on unfamiliar links or QR codes. Employing two-factor authentication on all platforms, avoiding financial transactions over public WiFi, and utilizing password managers are critical strategies for enhancing security. Furthermore, experts recommend creating robust passwords featuring a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters, while ensuring unique passwords for different accounts.
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