QBE experts issue a stark warning: The threat from ransomware attacks will increase massively over the coming years. QBE expects the number of successful attacks on companies to rise by approximately 40% by 2026.
While around 5,000 companies were publicly "named and shamed" on so-called "leak sites" (sites where hackers publish stolen data) in 2024, this number is expected to rise to over 7,000 by the end of 2026.
The rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) helps companies become more efficient, but unfortunately, it also plays into the hands of criminals and amplifies their capabilities. Hackers are using AI to execute their attacks (such as phishing emails or fraudulent narratives) faster, more precisely, and on a much larger scale.
The Cloud as a primary target: More and more organizational data is moving to the cloud. Since nearly half of all sensitive corporate data is now stored there, hackers are increasingly focusing on these platforms. The number of critical security alerts in cloud systems has risen by over 200% in the last year alone.
Who is particularly at risk? The QBE report shows that the public sector (authorities and administration) as well as the IT industry are primary targets. However, manufacturing and logistics companies are also heavily affected.
Extreme new threats from Deepfakes: Deceptively realistic video or audio forgeries (deepfakes) represent an overwhelming problem. These were already used in nearly 10% of successful cyberattacks in Q3 and Q4 of 2025, often with the aim of obtaining large sums of money through fraud.
Even attackers who were previously considered less technically skilled can now launch dangerous attacks using "Ransomware-as-a-Service" (rental software for hackers) and super-intelligent AI agents.
QBE strongly advises all companies to view their protective measures not just as a tedious obligation, but as a vital investment for survival. As attacks become more sophisticated, firms must continuously adapt their security systems and employee training to avoid becoming the next victim of extortion.
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