CrowdStrike has released its 2026 Global Threat Report, shedding light on a rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape. The report underscores a significant shift in the modus operandi of cybercriminals, notably due to the rising influence of artificial intelligence (AI). "AI is now a dual threat: It acts as a force multiplier for cyberattacks while introducing a new attack surface," explained Adam Meyers, Senior Vice President of Counter Adversary Operations at CrowdStrike.
"AI is now a dual threat: It acts as a force multiplier for cyberattacks while introducing a new attack surface,"
One of the report's most startling findings is the 89% increase in attacks facilitated by AI-enabled adversaries. This surge illustrates how sophisticated technologies are being exploited by cybercriminals to gain unprecedented access and control over targeted systems. "90+ organizations had legitimate AI tools exploited to generate malicious commands and steal sensitive data," said Cristian Rodriguez, Chief Technology Officer for the Americas at CrowdStrike.
"90+ organizations had legitimate AI tools exploited to generate malicious commands and steal sensitive data,"
Detecting such threats has become increasingly urgent, with the average breakout speed for eCrime now standing at a record 27 seconds. This alarming statistic marks a 65% year-over-year increase in breakout speeds. "As adversaries move faster than ever, the window for detection and response continues to shrink, demanding real-time visibility and automated response capabilities,” said J Meyers, Director of OverWatch at CrowdStrike.
The report draws attention to the growing menace posed by edge device attacks, with findings indicating that 40% of vulnerabilities exploited by China-nexus adversaries targeted these devices. Additionally, there was a staggering 266% increase in cloud-conscious intrusions by state-nexus threat actors, highlighting the need for organizations to bolster their defenses against these evolving tactics.
CrowdStrike’s experts emphasize the significance of understanding these adversarial tactics. "CrowdStrike's research has shown that threat actors are weaponizing AI, exploiting cross-domain blind spots, and targeting unmanaged edge devices," stated the cybersecurity firm in its briefing. This shift requires organizations to rethink traditional defense strategies and prioritize proactive threat hunting.
"CrowdStrike's research has shown that threat actors are weaponizing AI, exploiting cross-domain blind spots, and targeting unmanaged edge devices,"
By the Numbers
The report also analyzes the most significant statistics from the previous year. Among these, there was a record-breaking cryptocurrency heist amounting to $1.46 billion and a 42% increase in the exploitation of zero-day vulnerabilities prior to their public disclosure. Furthermore, a notable 82% of detections in 2025 were reported as malware-free, underscoring a concerning trend where conventional defense systems are insufficient against advanced threat techniques.
As organizations worldwide grapple with these challenges, the CrowdStrike 2026 Global Threat Report serves as both a warning and a guide. "Know them. Find them. Stop them," advised CrowdStrike as they urge companies to leverage their Adversary Hub, designed to educate organizations on the tactics of the world's most notorious threat actors.
The imperative is clear: in an era where cyber threats are increasingly driven by advanced technologies like AI, staying ahead of adversaries is vital for safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining trust in digital systems. With AI accelerating the pace and complexity of cyberattacks, continuous adaptation and vigilance are crucial for any organization aiming to outpace these evolving threats.
