Cyberattacks spread rapidly within minutes

Less than 30 minutes are needed for cybercriminals to spread within a compromised network, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF's latest report, published on October 13, 2026, indicates that in more than 70% of cases of vulnerabilities exploited this year, software publishers had almost no time to fix them before they were exploited by malicious actors.

AI accelerates zero-day attacks

The organization attributes the increase in the so-called "zero-day" rate, which is the share of vulnerabilities exploited on the day of their disclosure, to the progress of artificial intelligence. In fact, state actors, ransomware groups, and malicious employees can launch more attacks more quickly and on a larger scale with the latest AI models.

Ransomware attacks rise sharply

This threat poses an increasing risk at all levels: to states, financial institutions, and large enterprises, particularly those operating in strategic sectors, but also to individuals. According to Comparitech, more than 2,600 ransomware attacks were claimed worldwide during the third quarter of 2026, which is 61% more than during the same period in 2025.

AI-driven attacks grow faster

CrowdStrike estimates that the number of attacks carried out by malicious actors using AI increased by 89% between 2024 and 2025. The cybersecurity company notes that last year, it took cybercriminals an average of 29 minutes to spread within a compromised network - compared to 98 minutes in 2021. The fastest propagation observed in 2025, on the other hand, only required 27 seconds.

AI reduces skill requirements for cybercrime

AI has significantly lowered the threshold required to conduct offensive cyber actions. Technical skills, once necessary for such actions, are increasingly delegated to one or more AI agents. The sophistication of the models allows them to operate with minimal detailed instructions, to autonomously hack networks, steal data, and deploy ransomware.

AI transforms both cyber offense and defense

Artificial intelligence now plays a central role in the field of cybersecurity, both for its offensive and defensive capabilities. In June, the cybersecurity agencies of the Five Eyes member countries estimated that the latest AI models should, within the next few months, "exceed current sector expectations, profoundly transforming both offensive and defensive cyber capabilities."