IBM released its 2026 X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, warning that AI is accelerating cyberattacks by helping criminals find and exploit basic security gaps faster. IBM observed a 44% rise in incidents starting with public-facing application exploits, while vulnerability exploitation became the leading cause of attacks in 2025, accounting for 40% of observed incidents. The report also notes a 49% jump in active ransomware and extortion groups and a nearly fourfold increase in major supply chain and third-party compromises since 2020.

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