Ransomware victims report attackers exploiting their own AI systems

Attackers exploited victims' own AI agents or systems in ransomware attacks reported by 44% of surveyed victims, CBS News reported, citing Semperis's 2026 Ransomware Risk Report. The survey polled 1,200 IT and security professionals across nine countries and eight industry sectors; 84% of surveyed victims reported attackers using AI. Compromising an agent or its credentials gives attackers another route into corporate systems through the applications and permissions it uses. The survey also found that 87% experienced attacks targeting systems that control network access. Semperis board member Chris Inglis cautioned that attackers' use of a company's AI tools can exploit access weaknesses that already existed.