Exploring the H1 2026 threat landscape through the eyes of ESET’s experts and telemetry data.
08 Jul 2026
•
,
2 min. read
The cyber threat landscape in the first half of 2026 showcases the increasing sophistication of attackers, who are adapting existing methods to exploit new technologies and user behaviors.
One notable trend is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into cyberattacks. ESET’s analysis uncovered numerous instances of AI skills being used maliciously, with AI-powered malware like PromptSpy demonstrating the potential for AI to enhance attack capabilities.
Additionally, social engineering tactics like ClickFix have evolved to incorporate AI elements, while phishing campaigns have leveraged QR codes to deceive users and bypass traditional security measures.
Ransomware activities continue to pose a significant threat, with the use of EDR killers to disable security software during attacks. However, there is a silver lining as more victims are opting not to pay ransoms, indicating improved awareness and mitigation strategies.
Discover how threat intelligence can bolster your organization’s cybersecurity defenses at the ESET Threat Intelligence page.
