Data breaches in 2026 have already surpassed last year’s total, with artificial intelligence driving a significant share of the attacks.

According to new data, the number of breach notifications has blown past the full-year figure for 2025 in record time. Security experts point to two main factors: the increasing use of AI by cybercriminals to automate and scale attacks, and a spike in so-called "malicious insider" incidents, where employees or contractors deliberately leak or steal data. AI tools are now being used to craft more convincing phishing emails, find system vulnerabilities faster, and launch attacks that adapt in real time. Meanwhile, the rise in insider threats suggests that access to sensitive information remains a critical weak point for many organizations. The trend shows no signs of slowing, leaving companies with a stark choice: strengthen defenses now, or risk becoming the next headline.