AI-related cyberthreats, cookie theft projected to rise in 2026

HP Security Lab’s cybersecurity experts predict that the attackers’ increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI), as well as the greater oversight of device and identity security within organizations, would contribute to a rise in cybersecurity threats and challenges and cookie theft in 2026, according to SecurityBrief UK.

“In 2026, we expect to see organized crime groups automate workflows and outsource more tasks using AI agents in their attacks, especially preparatory tasks like researching victims to target. Beyond this, rapid improvements in large language models and agentic AI systems are expanding their role in the attack lifecycle. Threat actors will no longer limit their AI use to basic automation or phishing content creation. They will also start using AI to assist with complex tasks like vulnerability discovery,” said Alex Holland, HP Security Lab’s principal threat researcher.

He states that AI will enable threat actors to increase cyberattacks, and that cybersecurity detection tools will find it hard to keep up. There will be a heightened supervision of Internet of Things, print devices, and edge by businesses and public sector organizations due to a pattern of attacks on connected devices. Experts also foresee a growing adoption of quantum-resistant cryptography, with new quantum-safe encryption standards taking effect.

“In 2026, we'll see efforts within enterprise security shift from fragmented identity frameworks and perimeter-based controls to a unified, data-centric model. Today's zero-trust implementations often create complexity and fatigue, with identity scattered across users, apps, and devices. This fragmentation leads to blind spots, inconsistent enforcement, and poor user experience. The next phase will prioritise consolidation: centralised identity orchestration that simplifies access, strengthens governance, and reduces operational risk,” said Peter Blanchard, HP’s document workflow security strategy principal.