Trend Micro warns cybercrime will be fully industrialised by 2026 as AI agents automate attacks

Summary

Cybersecurity firm Trend Micro predicts that by 2026, cybercrime will become a fully automated, AI-driven ecosystem, with autonomous agents handling everything from reconnaissance and exploitation to extortion. The company’s 2026 Security Predictions report warns that generative AI and agentic systems will power adaptive intrusion campaigns, polymorphic malware and deepfake-based social engineering, forcing defenders to shift from reactive security to resilient, AI-aware cyber defence strategies. ([businesstoday.com.my](https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2025/11/30/cybercrime-set-to-become-fully-industrialised-in-2026/))