Key Takeaways
- Kaspersky reports a rise in cyber crimes and attacks, linked to AI integration.
- Pakistan's Kaspersky users face 12.2% online threats in the first half of 2026.
- Threat actors increasingly use AI for phishing emails and malware development.
A leading cybersecurity firm has warned that cyber crimes are on the rise, driven by the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and geopolitical instability. Kaspersky’s Global Research & Analysis Team (GReAT) highlighted key trends in cyber threats for the first half of 2026 at Cyber Security Weekend for the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa region.
In Pakistan, 12.2% of Kaspersky users experienced online threats during this period, according to telemetry data from the company.
The report noted that cyber threats have become more diverse and sophisticated, with a growing trend of threat actors integrating AI into their operations. Large language models are being used to generate phishing emails, malicious code, and supporting content for attacks.
Kaspersky researchers observed AI-assisted malware development in campaigns linked to the Funk Sec group, which deployed Rust-based malware capable of data theft, encryption, and process manipulation. Similarly, during the Revenge Hotels campaign in 2025, threat actors used large language models to generate portions of infector and downloader code.
As cyber threats evolve alongside emerging technologies, Kaspersky recommends that organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture through continuous vulnerability management, timely patching, employee awareness training, threat intelligence, and advanced security solutions capable of detecting sophisticated attacks.
The report also highlighted regional variations in the prevalence of web-based threats. Turkiye recorded the highest percentage at 22.8%, followed by Kenya (21.2%) and Qatar (19.3%). In contrast, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Pakistan registered the lowest share of users targeted by web-borne attacks.
Kaspersky’s findings underscore the need for robust cybersecurity measures in light of increasing AI-driven threats. The company emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant and proactive to mitigate risks.
