Cyber Resilience Gap and AI-Driven Fraud Rise as Top Concerns for CEOs

• •Cyber-enabled fraud is now CEOs' top concern, surpassing ransomware.
• •73% of individuals reported being affected by cyber-enabled fraud in 2025.
• •AI-related vulnerabilities are seen as the fastest-growing cyber risk.

In a recent interview, Akshay Joshi from the World Economic Forum highlighted the increasing threat of cyber-enabled fraud, which has surpassed ransomware as the primary concern for CEOs. The Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026 revealed that 73% of respondents experienced personal impacts from cyber-enabled fraud in 2025, with 77% noting a rise in fraud and phishing incidents. The report indicates a widening resilience gap between large and small organizations, exacerbated by skills shortages and geopolitical fragmentation. Joshi emphasized the need for enhanced public-private cooperation and governance to address these challenges. AI is identified as a significant factor accelerating both cyber offense and defense, with 87% of respondents citing AI-related vulnerabilities as a growing risk. The report calls for collaboration among technology companies, financial institutions, and governments to strengthen defenses against these evolving threats.