KELA's 2026 Cybercrime Report
Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported Apr 29, 2026 · Last updated Apr 29, 2026
The report by Kela highlights a significant increase in cybercrime, ransomware, and the use of malicious AI, which will likely drive increased demand for cybersecurity solutions and services. Companies, especially those in the United States, will need to invest more in advanced defenses to protect against evolving threats, potentially boosting the cybersecurity industry while posing risks to other sectors.
Kela released its annual report, 'The State of Cybercrime 2026: Emerging Threats & Predictions', on April 29, 2026, revealing a record surge in cybercrime activity. The report highlights a 45% increase in ransomware victims in 2025, with over 53% located in the United States. A major shift in hacker behavior involves the adoption of malicious, autonomous AI, using 'Vibe Hacking' to trick AI assistants and exploiting a 'trust gap' between linked AI tools. Organizations also face internal risks from 'Shadow AI' and a growing reliance on 2.86 billion stolen credentials, which bypass traditional defenses. The report notes a 7,000% increase in macOS infections and a surge in hacktivism and state-backed cyber activity, particularly in conflict zones involving Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Iran, China, and North Korea. David Carmiel, CEO of Kela, emphasized the pivot to autonomous malicious workflows and the critical need for AI-powered solutions.
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