How AI Agents May Surpass Human Error as the Leading Cause of Data Breaches

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping the landscape of cybersecurity, as highlighted in Experian’s annual breach forecast for 2026. The technology is influencing the scope, frequency, and cost of cyber incidents, making it a focal point for organizations aiming to protect their data.

In Experian’s Data Breach Industry Forecast, AI emerges as a critical factor in various predictions. Michael Bruemmer, vice president of global data breach resolution, and Jim Steven, head of crisis & data response services in the UK, emphasize that agentic AI systems could be manipulated by sophisticated hackers. These hackers might inject their AI agents to disrupt the orchestration or governance of the victim’s AI systems.

Experian warns that such disruptions could severely impact an organization’s operations, potentially siphoning money, goods, or sensitive information. In some cases, these AI agents could even execute ransomware-like operations. The report suggests that AI agents represent the next frontier for fraud and cybercrime, with the potential to surpass human error as the leading cause of data breaches.

Moreover, the capabilities of AI enable hackers to extract data at an unprecedented rate, allowing them to “stitch together enriched identity profiles.” This raises alarms about a potential surge in identity theft incidents. Additionally, AI could facilitate the spread of mutating malicious code, such as polymorphic or metamorphic malware, further complicating cybersecurity efforts.

AI’s role in cybersecurity is also intertwined with the emergence of quantum computing, which many experts consider one of the most significant threats in the coming years. Experian notes that quantum computing is already leading to increased attacks, with the potential to break existing encryption methods. Currently, AI security technology is helping to thwart these efforts, but the forecast indicates that data-breach-prevention firms will accelerate the development of quantum-resistant solutions to stay ahead of potential fraud.

Topics
InsurTech
Agencies
Data Driven
Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping the landscape of cybersecurity, as highlighted in Experian’s annual breach forecast for 2026. The technology is influencing the scope, frequency, and cost of cyber incidents, making it a focal point for organizations aiming to protect their data.

In Experian’s Data Breach Industry Forecast, AI emerges as a critical factor in various predictions. Michael Bruemmer, vice president of global data breach resolution, and Jim Steven, head of crisis & data response services in the UK, emphasize that agentic AI systems could be manipulated by sophisticated hackers. These hackers might inject their AI agents to disrupt the orchestration or governance of the victim’s AI systems.

Experian warns that such disruptions could severely impact an organization’s operations, potentially siphoning money, goods, or sensitive information. In some cases, these AI agents could even execute ransomware-like operations. The report suggests that AI agents represent the next frontier for fraud and cybercrime, with the potential to surpass human error as the leading cause of data breaches.

Moreover, the capabilities of AI enable hackers to extract data at an unprecedented rate, allowing them to “stitch together enriched identity profiles.” This raises alarms about a potential surge in identity theft incidents. Additionally, AI could facilitate the spread of mutating malicious code, such as polymorphic or metamorphic malware, further complicating cybersecurity efforts.

AI’s role in cybersecurity is also intertwined with the emergence of quantum computing, which many experts consider one of the most significant threats in the coming years. Experian notes that quantum computing is already leading to increased attacks, with the potential to break existing encryption methods. Currently, AI security technology is helping to thwart these efforts, but the forecast indicates that data-breach-prevention firms will accelerate the development of quantum-resistant solutions to stay ahead of potential fraud.

Topics
InsurTech
Agencies
Data Driven
Artificial Intelligence