AI-Driven Cybercrime to Surge in 2026 as Firms Lag Readiness

This week in cybersecurity news: Forecasts of a new wave of AI-enabled cybercrime in 2026, combined with the rise of emotional scams and browser-based attack vectors, underscore how social engineering and automation are converging into a systemic risk. While sectors such as retail and hospitality are deploying AI-driven surveillance to shift from reactive to preventive security, most organizations remain underprepared, with only one-third reporting full readiness.

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Mexico Braces for a New Wave of Cyber Threats in 2026

Cybersecurity experts forecast a significant increase in digital threats throughout Mexico in 2026, driven by high-profile events, the enhanced sophistication of cybercrime, and the adoption of AI by malicious actors. This landscape includes the integration of drug trafficking into the cybercrime sphere, and the persistent risk of sensitive data breaches within government agencies. 

Mexico’s Retail, Hospitality Sectors Adopt AI to Enhance Security

Mexico’s hospitality and retail sectors have increased the adoption of AI in their security infrastructure, with over 60% of new video surveillance systems now using this technology to mitigate risks and optimize user experience. This shift responds to the need to transition from reactive security models to preventive strategies capable of managing high mobility density. 

Cybersecurity Emerges as Strategic Priority Among Mexican Firms

Forty-two percent of organizations in Mexico position cybersecurity as a strategic lever for digital transformation, according to the latest Kyndryl Readiness Report 2025. However, only 34% of national corporations report complete preparation for managing current technological environment risks, establishing digital resilience as an operational imperative for the Mexican market.

Emotional Scams to Dominate Digital Crime in 2026: Gen Digital

Emotional scams and other four common types of fraud will dominate digital crime during 2026, reports Gen Digital, the global company behind Norton and Avast. The company predicts that cybercrime will be driven by AI, which is advancing faster than human intuition, and identifies web browsers as the primary attack vector.

No-Code AI Agents Vulnerable to Data Theft, Fraud: Tenable

No-code agentic AI platforms, such as Microsoft Copilot Studio, can be exploited through prompt injection to exfiltrate sensitive data and execute unauthorized financial transactions, reports Tenable Research. This manipulation highlights the severe operational and compliance risks organizations face when implementing AI without robust security governance.