Cyber-enabled fraud emerges as one of most pervasive global threats: Report

GENEVA

Cyber-enabled fraud has overtaken ransomware as one of the most pervasive global cyber threats, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026, released on Monday.

The report finds that fraud and phishing are now CEOs’ top cybersecurity concerns, reflecting the growing societal and economic impact of cyber-enabled crime across regions and sectors.

It also highlighted the accelerating role of artificial intelligence in reshaping cyber risks, with 87% of respondents reporting rising AI-related vulnerabilities in 2025 and 94% of leaders expecting AI to be the most consequential force shaping cybersecurity in 2026.

Geopolitical fragmentation is further compounding these risks, weakening confidence in national cyber preparedness. According to the report, 31% of respondents expressed low confidence in their country’s ability to respond to major cyber incidents targeting critical infrastructure.

"As cyber risks become more interconnected and consequential, cyber-enabled fraud has emerged as one of the most disruptive forces in the digital economy, undermining trust, distorting markets and directly affecting people’s lives," said Jeremy Jurgens, the managing director of the World Economic Forum.

The report also pointed to widening gaps in cyber resilience, driven by skills shortages, resource constraints and growing supply chain dependencies. Among large companies, 65% cited third-party and supply chain risks as their greatest barrier to cyber resilience.

"The weaponization of AI, persistent geopolitical friction and systemic supply chain risks are upending traditional cyber defences," said Paolo Dal Cin, the global lead of Accenture Cybersecurity.

The survey drew on insights from 804 business leaders across 92 countries.