The Rising Threat of AI-Driven Social Engineering
According to ISACA’s latest Tech Trends and Priorities report, artificial intelligence-powered social engineering is projected to become the most significant cybersecurity threat in 2026. The comprehensive survey of 3,000 IT and cybersecurity professionals reveals that 63% of respondents identify this emerging threat as their primary concern, marking the first time AI-driven social engineering has topped ISACA’s threat assessment.
This development represents a significant shift in the cybersecurity landscape, as AI-powered attacks have surpassed traditional threats like ransomware and extortion attacks (cited by 54% of professionals) and supply chain attacks (mentioned by 35% of those surveyed). The rapid advancement of AI capabilities has created new vulnerabilities that organizations are struggling to address.
Organizational Preparedness Gap
The ISACA report highlights a concerning gap in organizational readiness for these emerging threats. Only 13% of organizations feel “very prepared” to manage generative AI risks, while half describe themselves as “somewhat prepared” and 25% admit to being “not very prepared” for the challenges ahead.
As noted in the report, “Most IT and cybersecurity professionals are still developing governance, policies and training, leaving critical gaps” in their defense strategies. This cybersecurity liability concern is becoming increasingly prominent as organizations recognize their vulnerability to sophisticated AI-driven attacks.
AI Investment and Regulatory Response
Despite the challenges, organizations recognize the need to embrace AI technologies. The survey shows that 62% of respondents identify AI and machine learning as top technology priorities for 2026, indicating widespread recognition of both the opportunities and threats presented by these technologies.
Karen Heslop, ISACA’s VP of content development, emphasized during a press briefing that regulations, particularly AI safety and security regulations, are seen as crucial tools for closing the preparedness gap. She noted that the EU “leads the way in technology compliance,” including in cybersecurity and AI security, and welcomed the EU’s AI Act as providing much-needed clarity for companies operating in the region.
Broader Implications and Industry Response
The emergence of AI-powered social engineering as a primary threat coincides with other significant market trends affecting global security and stability. As organizations grapple with these challenges, they must also consider the broader context of related innovations in security technology and environmental factors that could impact their operations.
The education sector is also responding to these technological shifts, with institutions rethinking educational approaches to better prepare future professionals for the evolving threat landscape. Meanwhile, other industries are making strategic moves, as evidenced by recent industry developments that reflect changing market dynamics.
As confirmed by recent technology assessments, the cybersecurity community faces a critical period of adaptation and preparation. The combination of sophisticated AI tools falling into malicious hands and organizational unpreparedness creates a perfect storm that demands immediate attention and strategic investment in both technology and human expertise.
The path forward requires a balanced approach that embraces AI’s potential while developing robust defenses against its malicious applications. Organizations must prioritize comprehensive training, updated policies, and cross-industry collaboration to effectively counter the rising tide of AI-powered social engineering threats that await in 2026 and beyond.
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