12 Cybersecurity Statistics Every Business Needs to Know for 2026

In the relentless cat-and-mouse game of cybersecurity, 2026 marks a pivotal year. As businesses navigate a landscape riddled with AI-powered threats and ever-present ransomware, staying informed is no longer just an advantage, it's a necessity. This year, the data reveals a fascinating duality: the very technology fueling sophisticated new attacks also holds the key to our most effective defenses.

From the evolving cost of data breaches to the human element that remains a constant vulnerability, the following statistics will provide a clear view of the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Let's delve into the numbers that we at Symbol Security think will define your cybersecurity strategy and, ultimately, your business's resilience in 2026.

1. The Global Average Cost of a Data Breach is $4.44 Million

For the first time in five years, the global average cost of a data breach saw a decrease, settling at $4.44 million in 2025. This modest downtrend is largely attributed to faster detection and containment of breaches, signaling that investments in advanced security measures are beginning to yield a return.

Why does this matter? While the overall cost remains substantial, this statistic highlights the critical importance of rapid incident response. Beyond the immediate financial impact, which includes regulatory fines and operational downtime, the speed of recovery can significantly mitigate long-term damage to customer trust and brand reputation.

Key takeaways:

• Prioritize early detection and efficient incident response to minimize financial losses.
• Invest in automated security tools and dedicated response teams to shorten the breach lifecycle.
• Account for indirect costs such as customer churn and reputational damage in your risk assessments.

For more details, see the full IBM Report.

2. Extensive AI Use in Security Results in $1.9 Million in Savings

Artificial intelligence is a game-changer for cybersecurity defense. Organizations that have extensively integrated AI and automation into their security workflows have realized an average cost saving of $1.9 million per data breach compared to those with limited or no AI implementation.

This significant cost reduction is a direct result of AI's ability to accelerate threat detection, automate response actions, and reduce the manual workload on security teams. It underscores the powerful return on investment that strategic AI adoption can deliver in the cybersecurity domain.

Key takeaways:

• Leverage AI-powered tools for proactive threat hunting and automated incident response.
• Ensure your security personnel are trained to effectively utilize AI-driven platforms.
• Continuously evaluate and adapt your AI security solutions to counter evolving threats.

Discover more insights at the IBM Report.

3. The Median Ransom Payment Stands at $115,000

Ransomware remains a significant financial burden for organizations. The median ransom payment in 2024 was $115,000. This figure, while substantial, is a decrease from the previous year, suggesting that more companies are successfully negotiating lower payments or relying on robust backup and recovery strategies.

This median value indicates that while multi-million dollar ransom demands often make headlines, the more common scenario involves a five to six-figure payout. Nevertheless, even these amounts can be crippling for a business, emphasizing the need for strong preventative measures.

Key takeaways:

• Maintain regular, isolated backups of critical data and test your restoration procedures frequently.
• Develop a comprehensive ransomware response plan that includes negotiation strategies and legal counsel.
• Explore cyber insurance options to mitigate potential financial losses from ransomware attacks.

More data is available in the Verizon DBIR 2025.

4. Majority (95%) of Ransom Payments Are Under $3 Million

In 2024, an overwhelming 95% of ransom payments were under the $3 million mark. This statistic reveals that the majority of ransomware attackers are focused on a high-volume, lower-demand approach to increase the likelihood of receiving a payment.

For businesses, this trend highlights the importance of scalable and broadly applied security controls rather than focusing solely on preventing catastrophic, high-demand attacks. Understanding the most common threat level allows for more effective risk management and resource allocation.

Key takeaways:

• Implement layered security defenses to prevent initial ransomware infiltration.
• Tailor your cybersecurity budget and incident response planning to the most probable ransom demand scenarios.
• Establish clear internal policies regarding ransom payments and engage with law enforcement when an incident occurs.

Explore the full trend analysis at Verizon DBIR 2025.

5. Majority (97%) of Organizations with AI Incidents Lacked Proper Access Controls

The rapid adoption of AI has introduced new and significant risks. A staggering 97% of organizations that experienced an AI-related security breach had not implemented proper access controls for their AI systems.

This highlights a critical oversight in how businesses are securing their AI-powered tools and platforms. Without stringent governance and access management, these systems can be exploited for data exfiltration, unauthorized commands, and to facilitate broader attacks.

Key takeaways:

• Treat your AI systems as critical assets and enforce strict access control policies.
• Regularly audit AI usage, permissions, and configurations.
• Provide employees with training on the secure and responsible use of AI.

For full context, read the detailed analysis in the IBM Report.

6. Most (63%) of Organizations Lack Policies to Manage Shadow AI

"Shadow AI," the use of unapproved AI tools by employees, is a growing concern. 63% of organizations do not have formal governance policies in place to manage or prevent this practice.

This lack of oversight creates significant blind spots in an organization's security posture, leading to potential data leakage, compliance violations, and an expanded attack surface. Establishing a clear framework for AI adoption and use is crucial to mitigating these risks.

Key takeaways:

• Develop and enforce a comprehensive AI governance policy that addresses security, privacy, and compliance.
• Implement tools and processes to monitor for the use of unauthorized AI applications.
• Foster collaboration between IT, security, and business units to ensure that AI innovation aligns with security protocols.

More insights on this risk can be found in the IBM Report.

7. Over 80% of Social Engineering Attacks Use AI-Supported Phishing

By early 2025, over 80% of observed social engineering attacks were supported by AI, dramatically increasing the sophistication and success rate of phishing campaigns.

AI enables attackers to craft highly convincing and personalized phishing emails that can more easily bypass traditional security filters and deceive employees. This trend necessitates a shift towards more advanced, AI-aware security solutions and heightened user vigilance.

Key takeaways:

• Deploy AI-powered email security solutions to better detect and block sophisticated phishing attempts.
• Conduct ongoing employee training that addresses the latest AI-driven social engineering tactics.
• Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) as a critical defense against credential compromise.

See the full report from ENISA Threat Landscape 2025.

8. Phishing is the Dominant Intrusion Vector in 60% of Attacks

Phishing continues to be the most dominant initial intrusion vector, accounting for approximately 60% of all cyberattacks. This enduring statistic underscores the fact that the human element remains a primary target for cybercriminals.

Despite technological advancements in security, attackers consistently find success in exploiting human psychology to gain an initial foothold in a network. This highlights the irreplaceable value of a strong security culture and continuous employee education.

Key takeaways:

• Maintain and regularly update robust email filtering and anti-phishing technologies.
• Foster a security-conscious culture where employees are encouraged to question and report suspicious communications.
• Utilize simulated phishing exercises to test and reinforce employee awareness.

Additional information is available in the ENISA Threat Landscape 2025.

9. Credential Abuse is Responsible for 22% of Breaches

The use of stolen or weak credentials was the initial entry point in 22% of data breaches. This highlights the critical importance of strong identity and access management practices.

Attackers often leverage credentials obtained from previous breaches or through phishing to gain unauthorized access to systems and data. This makes robust password policies and the widespread adoption of multi-factor authentication essential defenses.

Key takeaways:

• Mandate the use of multi-factor authentication across all critical systems and applications.
• Enforce strong, unique passwords and consider the use of password managers.
• Actively monitor for and respond to credential leaks on the dark web.

For deeper insights consult the Verizon DBIR 2025.

10. Roughly 20% of Breaches Involve Exploiting Vulnerabilities

One in five breaches, or 20%, resulted from the exploitation of known vulnerabilities in software and systems. This serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by unpatched systems.

Cybercriminals actively scan for and target organizations that have failed to apply security patches for known vulnerabilities. A diligent and timely patch management program is a fundamental aspect of a strong cybersecurity posture.

Key takeaways:

• Implement a rigorous patch management process with clear timelines for applying critical updates.
• Conduct regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing to identify and remediate weaknesses.
• Utilize automated tools to ensure systems are properly configured and hardened against attacks.

The comprehensive report is available at Verizon DBIR 2025.

11. Vulnerability Exploitation is the Initial Access Method in 21.3% of Intrusions

Focusing specifically on how attackers first get in, 21.3% of initial intrusions were achieved by exploiting vulnerabilities. This method allows attackers to bypass perimeter defenses and gain a direct foothold within a network.

Securing internet-facing systems and ensuring they are promptly patched is crucial to preventing these types of initial access attacks. Understanding how attackers are getting in is key to building a more resilient defense.

Key takeaways:

• Prioritize the patching and hardening of all public-facing systems.
• Implement network segmentation to limit the lateral movement of an attacker who successfully exploits a vulnerability.
• Leverage threat intelligence to stay informed about the latest vulnerabilities being actively exploited.

Details available from ENISA Threat Landscape 2025.

12. Ransomware Affects 81.1% of Cybercrime Incidents in the EU

A striking 81.1% of cybercrime incidents targeting organizations in the EU involved ransomware. This overwhelming majority solidifies ransomware as the most dominant and pressing threat for businesses in the region.

This statistic underscores the need for ransomware preparedness to be a top priority for every organization. A multi-faceted approach that includes prevention, detection, and a well-rehearsed response plan is essential to mitigating the risk posed by this pervasive threat.

Key takeaways:

• Develop a comprehensive ransomware defense strategy that includes robust backups, advanced detection capabilities, and a detailed incident response plan.
• Ensure your response team is well-versed in ransomware containment and has clear protocols for decision-making.
• Engage with industry peers and law enforcement to share threat intelligence and best practices.

Find out more in the ENISA Threat Landscape 2025.