AI and State-Backed Cyber Espionage Expected to Rise in 2026

Cybersecurity experts predict that state-backed espionage and AI-driven attacks will significantly impact the threat landscape in 2026. Key targets include European defense industries, small and midsize businesses, and the drone sector, with anticipated increases in financial losses from phishing and business email compromise. Research from ESET and Cork Cyber indicates a year of heightened activity from nation states and criminal groups.