Microsoft’s 2026 Digital Defense Report warns that threat actors are using AI to accelerate cyberattacks. Activities after a breach, including data theft and movement through a network, once took days or weeks but can now be completed in minutes, the report says.
The increased speed and scale of attacks pose a significant challenge for defenders. The report also found a sharp rise in phishing as a way to gain initial access, likely because generative AI can produce convincing messages at scale.
The findings highlight the need for security professionals to adapt their strategies and use AI to strengthen defenses against evolving threats.