AI-Driven Social Engineering Emerges as Top Cyber Threat for 2026

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20.10.2025 16:45

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AI-driven social engineering is projected to be the most significant cyber threat in 2026, according to the 2026 ISACA Tech Trends and Priorities report. This finding is based on a survey of 3,000 IT and cybersecurity professionals, who identified AI-driven social engineering as a major challenge. The report also highlights concerns about preparedness for AI risks, regulatory compliance, and the growing talent shortage in cybersecurity. The survey reveals that while AI is seen as both an opportunity and a threat, many organizations feel unprepared to manage generative AI risks. Additionally, the regulatory environment, particularly in the US, is seen as complex and challenging. The need for a stronger cybersecurity workforce is also emphasized, with many professionals anticipating difficulties in filling digital trust roles. The report concludes with recommendations for establishing robust AI governance, accelerating workforce upskilling, modernizing legacy systems, strengthening cyber resilience, and preparing for regulatory complexity.

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20.10.2025 16:45 1 articles · 3h ago

AI-Driven Social Engineering Identified as Top Cyber Threat for 2026
The 2026 ISACA Tech Trends and Priorities report, published on October 20, 2025, identifies AI-driven social engineering as the most significant cyber threat for the coming year. This finding is based on a survey of 3,000 IT and cybersecurity professionals, who also expressed concerns about preparedness for AI risks, regulatory compliance, and the growing talent shortage in cybersecurity. The report concludes with recommendations for organizations to prepare for these challenges.
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AI-Driven Social Engineering Top Cyber Threat for 2026, ISACA Survey Reveals — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 20.10.2025 16:45
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63% of IT and cybersecurity professionals surveyed by ISACA see AI-driven social engineering as a major threat for 2026.
First reported: 20.10.2025 16:45

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- AI-Driven Social Engineering Top Cyber Threat for 2026, ISACA Survey Reveals — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 20.10.2025 16:45
Ransomware and extortion attacks are cited among the top threats for 2026 by 54% of respondents.
First reported: 20.10.2025 16:45

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- AI-Driven Social Engineering Top Cyber Threat for 2026, ISACA Survey Reveals — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 20.10.2025 16:45
Supply chain attacks are mentioned by 35% of those surveyed as a top threat for 2026.
First reported: 20.10.2025 16:45

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- AI-Driven Social Engineering Top Cyber Threat for 2026, ISACA Survey Reveals — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 20.10.2025 16:45
Only 13% of organizations feel "very prepared" to manage generative AI risks.
First reported: 20.10.2025 16:45

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- AI-Driven Social Engineering Top Cyber Threat for 2026, ISACA Survey Reveals — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 20.10.2025 16:45
Half of the respondents feel "somewhat prepared" for generative AI risks, while 25% feel "not very prepared."
First reported: 20.10.2025 16:45

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- AI-Driven Social Engineering Top Cyber Threat for 2026, ISACA Survey Reveals — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 20.10.2025 16:45
62% of respondents identify AI and machine learning as top technology priorities for 2026.
First reported: 20.10.2025 16:45

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- AI-Driven Social Engineering Top Cyber Threat for 2026, ISACA Survey Reveals — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 20.10.2025 16:45
66% of IT and cybersecurity professionals rate regulatory compliance as "very important."
First reported: 20.10.2025 16:45

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- AI-Driven Social Engineering Top Cyber Threat for 2026, ISACA Survey Reveals — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 20.10.2025 16:45
32% of respondents say regulatory complexity and global compliance risks will be a major concern in 2026.
First reported: 20.10.2025 16:45

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- AI-Driven Social Engineering Top Cyber Threat for 2026, ISACA Survey Reveals — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 20.10.2025 16:45
Only 18% of respondents consider they have a strong talent pipeline in cybersecurity.
First reported: 20.10.2025 16:45

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- AI-Driven Social Engineering Top Cyber Threat for 2026, ISACA Survey Reveals — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 20.10.2025 16:45
39% of respondents plan to hire for more digital trust roles in 2026, but 44% anticipate difficulty filling these roles.
First reported: 20.10.2025 16:45

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- AI-Driven Social Engineering Top Cyber Threat for 2026, ISACA Survey Reveals — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 20.10.2025 16:45
The EU's AI Act is seen as a potential model for AI compliance clarity, while the US regulatory environment is described as a "compliance nightmare."
First reported: 20.10.2025 16:45

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- AI-Driven Social Engineering Top Cyber Threat for 2026, ISACA Survey Reveals — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 20.10.2025 16:45

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AI-Driven Social Engineering Identified as Top Cyber Threat for 2026

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