Cybersecurity firm Semperis reports that a large majority of ransomware victims say attackers used artificial intelligence as part of the intrusion, signaling that AI is increasingly embedded in criminal operations. CBS News and The Hill both cite the figure as roughly 80% to 84% of reported cases, based on a survey of IT and security professionals.
The outlets describe additional details from Semperis’ 2026 Ransomware Risk Report. Quartz reports that in 40% of attacks, hackers issue psychological or physical threats to staff, and in 53% of cases victims say the attackers follow through on those threats. Across the coverage, the emphasis differs: some focus on the prevalence of AI in attacks, while Quartz highlights the use of coercion and harassment against personnel.
While the reporting relies on survey responses rather than publicly verified incident data, the findings collectively point to two linked trends: AI-enabled tactics in ransomware schemes and intensified pressure on victims during and after compromise.
