Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used by cyber crooks to carry out ransomware attacks, making cyber threats more sophisticated, targeted and difficult to detect. According to a recent survey, more than 84% of respondents reported that AI systems are being used in ransomware-related attacks, highlighting growing concerns about the role of emerging technologies in cybercrime.
The findings were highlighted in Semperis’ 2026 Ransomware Risk Report, which surveyed approximately 1,200 IT professionals across nine countries and eight industry sectors. The report sheds light on how hackers are leveraging AI to improve their attack strategies, increase pressure on victims and potentially force organizations to pay ransoms.
AI is becoming a powerful tool in the hands of cyber criminals, enabling them to automate certain tasks, develop more convincing phishing messages and identify potential weaknesses in organizational security systems. These capabilities can help attackers make their campaigns more targeted and efficient. As a result, businesses may find it increasingly challenging to identify and prevent attacks before significant damage occurs.
Beyond financial losses and operational disruption, ransomware attacks can also have serious consequences for employees and organizations. The Semperis report highlighted the troubling impact of intimidation and psychological pressure on victims. More than three-quarters of victimized employees reportedly experienced physical threats or psychological pressure, demonstrating that the effects of ransomware can extend beyond digital systems and financial resources.
Such experiences can affect employees’ mental well-being, workplace confidence and sense of security. In severe cases, the pressure associated with an attack may influence individuals to leave their jobs or withdraw from their professional fields altogether. These findings underline the human cost of ransomware, which is often overlooked when the focus remains primarily on financial losses and data recovery.
The report also pointed to the recurring nature of ransomware incidents. According to the findings, more than 69% of ransomware victims experienced multiple attacks, suggesting that organizations may remain vulnerable even after an initial incident. Repeated attacks can increase recovery costs, disrupt business operations and weaken customer confidence.
Furthermore, approximately 59% of respondents who had experienced ransomware attacks reportedly admitted to paying a ransom at least once. Such payments may be made to recover encrypted data, restore critical systems or prevent the exposure of sensitive information.
However, paying a ransom does not guarantee that stolen data will be returned, systems will be restored or attackers will refrain from targeting the organization again.
The growing use of AI in cybercrime highlights the need for businesses to strengthen their cybersecurity strategies. Organizations should invest in regular security assessments, employee awareness programs, reliable data backups, multi-factor authentication and effective incident-response plans. Monitoring systems for suspicious activity and preparing employees to recognize phishing attempts can also help reduce the risk of successful attacks.
As AI technology continues to evolve, both cybersecurity professionals and cyber-criminals are likely to explore new applications for it. The findings of the Semperis report serve as a reminder that organizations must continually adapt their defenses to address emerging threats. A combination of advanced security tools, employee training and proactive risk management will be essential to protecting businesses against an increasingly complex ransomware landscape.
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