Experian has released its 2026 Data Breach Industry Forecast, which examines the evolving cyber threat landscape and predicts a new wave of sophisticated attacks driven by artificial intelligence, alongside other vulnerabilities such as quantum computing. Now in its 13th year, the forecast offers six insights into how cybercriminals are leveraging emerging technologies to create more convincing identities, evade detection, and exploit new digital frontiers. The predictions indicate a future where cyberattacks are more personalized, persistent, and technologically advanced, encompassing threats from synthetic profiles and autonomous AI agents to shape-shifting malware and brain-computer interface vulnerabilities.
Michael Bruemmer, vice president of Global Data Breach Resolution at Experian, stated, “Technology is evolving at breakneck speed, and cybercriminals are often the first to adopt tools like AI to outpace defenses and exploit vulnerabilities. It’s an uphill battle but organizations can also harness these same innovations to strengthen their security posture. With the right preparation and use of technology, companies can be in a solid position to combat attacks, but they should also be ready to deal with the fallout of a security incident.”
Statistics from the first half of 2025 show more than 8,000 global data breaches occurred, with approximately 345 million records exposed. Among Experian clients, the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada were identified as the countries most significantly affected.
Jim Steven, Head of Crisis and Data Response Services at Experian Global Data Breach Resolution in the United Kingdom, commented, “We’re entering a new era where cyberattacks are no longer just about stealing data, they’re about manipulating reality. Organizations must prepare for threats that are faster, smarter, and harder to detect. The time to act is now.” Mr. Steven is scheduled to participate in a panel discussion titled “How can leaders combat emerging cyber security threats?” at the Financial Times Cyber Resilience Summit: Europe in London on December 3, 2025.
Experian research among consumers in the United States and United Kingdom indicates widespread concern regarding the impact of sophisticated attacks and the potential worsening of cyber threats. Findings also reveal that younger generations are increasingly susceptible to scams, and many victims feel inadequately supported after their data has been compromised. Consumers are questioning the readiness of trusted companies to defend against advanced cyber threats.
Key findings from the consumer research include:
One in four millennial adults surveyed report being a victim of identity theft within the past year.
Nearly a quarter of respondents have fallen for a phishing attack at home or work within the last 12 months.
More than four in five consumers are concerned about the use of AI to create fake identities that are indistinguishable from real individuals.
Specific U.
S. findings show that more than one in three (35%) adults are concerned about being held personally liable for monetary loss resulting from a cybersecurity mistake at work. Furthermore, 69% do not believe their bank or retailer is adequately prepared to defend against AI-driven cyberattacks, or they are unsure. Over three-quarters (76%) believe that cybercrime will continue to increase and be impossible to slow down due to AI.
Top U.
K. results indicate that a quarter of millennial adults (25%) have been victims of identity theft in the past year. One in three (33%) U.
K. adults worry about damaging their professional reputation due to a cybersecurity mistake at work. Among those whose data was stolen or exposed in a breach, over 3 in 5 (62%) felt the organization did not provide adequate support.
Experian Data Breach Resolution assists organizations in responding to data breaches, leveraging over 21 years of crisis management expertise and having managed more than 69,000 incidents. Its services encompass global consumer notifications, multilingual call centers, and identity protection tools such as credit monitoring and dark web surveillance. Experian’s Reserved Response™ program ensures readiness with guaranteed staffing and infrastructure, while its international capabilities support breach response across more than 100 countries. Experian offers tailored solutions to protect customer trust and minimize reputational risk for various incidents, including live breaches, third-party incidents, or class action crises.
Experian is a global data and technology company that supports opportunities for individuals and businesses worldwide. The company redefines lending practices, prevents fraud, simplifies healthcare, delivers digital marketing solutions, and provides insights into the automotive market through its data, analytics, and software. Experian, a FTSE 100 Index company listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN), operates with 25,100 people across 32 countries, with corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland.
