IBM's Mark Hughes: Combating AI-Driven Cyberattacks

IBM's Mark Hughes is addressing the new era of AI-driven cyberattacks. The cyber threat landscape is being reshaped by AI, allowing attackers to automate, personalize, and scale sophisticated attacks. The 2026 Cost of a Data Breach Report shows that 22% of UK organizations reported AI-generated attacks. However, only 32% of UK organizations extensively use AI and automation in security. This indicates a gap in defensive capabilities. The average cost of a UK data breach has fallen to £3.13 million, even as the number of compromised records has risen. Energy and financial services are most exposed to AI-driven attacks globally due to their interconnected environments and high-value assets. Businesses need to focus on four priorities to defend against AI-powered attacks: establishing clear AI governance, investing in AI-powered security, understanding where AI is being used, and regularly testing cyber resilience. This information is crucial for organizations looking to strengthen their defenses against evolving AI threats.