Experian has unveiled its 2026 Data Breach Industry Forecast, shedding light on the next wave of cyber threats fueled by artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies. Now in its 13th year, the report predicts that cyberattacks will become more sophisticated, personalized, and harder to detect than ever.
The forecast highlights six key trends, including synthetic identities, autonomous AI agents, shape-shifting malware, and vulnerabilities in brain-computer interfaces. Together, these developments point to a future where cybercriminals can manipulate reality itself, rather than merely stealing data.
“Technology is evolving at breakneck speed, and cybercriminals are often the first to adopt tools like AI to outpace defenses,” said Michael Bruemmer, Experian’s VP of Global Data Breach Resolution. “Organizations can also harness these innovations to strengthen their security posture—but preparation is key.”
Rising Breach Numbers and Global Hotspots
The first half of 2025 already saw more than 8,000 data breaches worldwide, exposing roughly 345 million records. Among Experian’s clients, the hardest-hit countries are the U.S., U.K., and Canada. Jim Steven, Head of Crisis and Data Response Services in the U.K., warns: “We’re entering a new era where cyberattacks are no longer just about stealing data—they’re about manipulating reality.”
Consumer Anxiety and Vulnerability
Experian’s research reveals growing consumer concern about AI-driven cybercrime. Among U.S. and U.K. respondents:
- 1 in 4 millennials report being victims of identity theft in the past year.
- Nearly a quarter have fallen for phishing attacks at home or work.
- More than 80% worry that AI could create fake identities indistinguishable from real people.
U.S. workers fear liability for cybersecurity errors, while UK respondents cite insufficient organizational support after breaches. “Consumers increasingly question whether companies are ready to defend against sophisticated attacks,” Steven adds.
How Organizations Can Respond
Experian Data Breach Resolution has handled over 69,000 incidents globally, offering multilingual call centers, consumer notifications, and identity protection tools. Its Reserved Response™ ensures readiness with guaranteed staffing and infrastructure, supporting breach response in over 100 countries. Whether facing a live breach, third-party incident, or class-action crisis, Experian helps businesses protect reputation and customer trust.
The findings underscore a broader industry trend: cybercrime is accelerating alongside AI and quantum technologies, making proactive defenses and crisis preparedness more critical than ever. Organizations ignoring these threats risk not only data loss but also erosion of consumer confidence in an era where digital trust is paramount.
For more insights, Experian will discuss its forecast at the Financial Times Cyber Resilience Summit: Europe in London on December 3, 2025.
