UK Firms Hit by Surge in AI-Driven Cyberattacks: IBM Report

A new report from IBM reveals a significant surge in AI-related security breaches affecting UK businesses. The study, which was published on August 4, 2026, found that over one in five firms experienced an AI-driven cyberattack in the past year.

The research highlights a 56% increase in AI-driven cyberattacks, resulting in an average cost of $6 million per breach. Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting AI systems and leveraging the technology for more sophisticated attacks.

According to the report, around 20% of organizations reported breaches where AI models or applications were the direct target. Weaknesses in surrounding systems, such as compromised APIs and cloud misconfigurations, were the most common entry points for these attacks.

The study also found that deepfake impersonation emerged as the most prevalent AI-enabled attack, cited by 45% of respondents. Additionally, there was a growing trend of AI-powered malware and phishing campaigns.

In response to the escalating threats, UK firms are planning to increase their cybersecurity investments. A significant 61% of organizations intend to bolster spending on areas like incident response and AI governance.