Semperis Report Finds AI Powers 84% of Ransomware Attacks
Semperis reports that 84% of ransomware victims believe AI increased attack sophistication, including the use of autonomous ransomware and exploitation of internal AI agents.
A 2026 Ransomware Risk Report from cybersecurity firm Semperis reveals that 84% of ransomware victims believe cybercriminals utilized artificial intelligence during attacks. Based on a survey of 1,200 IT and security professionals across nine countries, the report finds that AI has increased the speed, scale, and sophistication of cyber threats, leading to the emergence of autonomous ransomware.
The findings highlight a new vulnerability in corporate infrastructure, with 44% of victims reporting that attackers exploited the organizations' own AI agents and systems to gain network access. Beyond technical breaches, the report notes a rise in physical and psychological tolls, including doxxing and swatting, which affected 40% of attacks.
While 49% of victims deployed AI for defense, 23% reported these tools failed to stop the malware. Chris Inglis, a Semperis strategic adviser and former U.S. national cyber director, noted that AI has democratized high-level technical attacks for low-level criminals. Other Semperis executives warned that AI reduces malware development time and allows autonomous agents to compromise identity systems to gain permissions.
