AI and Quantum threats to reshape cybercrime
IBM warns that "shadow AI," deepfakes, and quantum-enabled cyberattacks will become significant risks by 2026. The Flashpoint 2026 Global Threat Intelligence Report corroborates these trends, highlighting "agentic AI" as a new threat vector. This will drive demand for risk professionals who can assess model governance, audit AI systems, and develop robust cyber-risk frameworks.
IBM's report emphasizes the need for organizations to prioritize AI model governance to combat "shadow AI," where AI systems operate without oversight, increasing vulnerability to cyberattacks. This governance includes rigorous testing, validation, and monitoring of AI models to detect and mitigate potential risks before they are exploited by cybercriminals. Flashpoint's 2026 Global Threat Intelligence Report specifically warns about the rise of "agentic AI," where AI systems autonomously conduct cyberattacks, making them harder to defend against. These AI agents can adapt to defenses in real-time, identify vulnerabilities, and execute complex attacks without human intervention, posing a significant challenge to cybersecurity professionals. The demand for risk professionals skilled in AI auditing and cyber-risk framework development is expected to surge as companies grapple with these evolving threats. Professionals with expertise in both AI and cybersecurity will be crucial in developing strategies to protect organizations from AI-enabled cyberattacks and ensure responsible AI deployment.
