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Trend Micro Predicts a New Era of Cybercrime

In a startling forecast for 2026, Trend Micro Incorporated, a leading player in the cybersecurity sector, has announced a significant shift in the landscape of cybercrime. According to their annual Security Predictions Report, the upcoming year will be marked by the full industrialization of cybercrime, empowered by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.

As companies face an increasing array of threats, the report highlights a concerning trend: threat actors are beginning to run entire cyberattack campaigns with minimal human oversight. From reconnaissance to extortion, these automated systems can execute complex strategies, accelerating operations beyond what traditional defenses can manage. Ryan Flores, who leads Trend's forward-looking threat research, underscores this transformation. He states, "2026 will be remembered as the year cybercrime stopped being a service industry and became a fully automated one."

The Economic Shift in Cybercrime

One of the report's key revelations is the changing economics of cybercrime. The rise of generative AI and agentic systems means attacks will become more sophisticated and adaptive. Autonomous intrusion campaigns, polymorphic malware that continuously evolves, and social engineering using deepfake technology will dominate the tactics used by cybercriminals. This shift is not just about the threat level; it blurs the line between innovation and exploitation in business operations.

The report predicts that hybrid cloud environments, software supply chains, and AI infrastructures will become prime targets in the coming year. Cybercriminals are expected to employ methods such as exploiting poisoned open-source packages, utilizing malicious container images, and leveraging over-privileged cloud identities as attack vectors. Furthermore, state-sponsored cyber entities may increasingly adopt strategies that ensure their attacks remain viable against the backdrop of emerging technologies like quantum computing.

The Ransomware Evolution

Ransomware itself is undergoing a radical transformation as it evolves into an autonomous ecosystem capable of managing its attack strategies. Cybercriminals are expected to leverage AI to identify potential victims, exploit their weaknesses, and even negotiate extortion terms via automated bots—making such operations faster, harder to trace, and more efficient. This development represents a considerable shift from traditional ransomware tactics relying solely on encryption.

A Call to Action for Organizations

In light of these ominous predictions, Trend Micro advocates for organizations around the globe to move from a reactive stance to proactive resilience. This means integrating security into every operational layer, particularly in AI adoption, cloud strategies, and supply chain management.

Organizations that prioritize ethical AI practices, ensure adaptive defenses, and incorporate human oversight will be better equipped to address the challenges posed by an increasingly automated cyber threat landscape. The emphasis on visibility, automation, and strategic cultural shifts towards security is essential for businesses looking to thrive in this new era.

The Path Ahead

The insights from Trend Micro's 2026 predictions not only lay out a grim forecast but also provide a roadmap for success. With proactive security measures, firms that successfully balance innovation with governance—and that leverage intelligence alongside ethical practices—will set the gold standard for resilience and trust in a world defined by automation.

About Trend Micro: Trend Micro has established itself as a global leader in cybersecurity, dedicated to creating safe environments for digital exchanges. The company’s innovative approach, including the AI-powered Trend Vision One™ platform, enables organizations to centralize their cybersecurity efforts, responding to millions of threats daily and safeguarding the digital landscape effectively.