By Chuck Brooks, president of Brooks Consulting International and one of Executive Mosaic’s GovCon Experts

We have now transitioned from the age of digital dangers to an era of complete systemic vulnerability. The data clearly demonstrates that cyber threats are no longer sporadic; they represent a persistent, sophisticated phenomenon. Hackers are now utilizing autonomous adversaries rather than merely sophisticated tools.

Recent industry data obtained in early 2026 indicates a vertical trajectory, revealing that global AI-driven cyber incidents have surged by an astonishing 72 percent year-over-year. A 72 percent surge is not just growth; it’s systemic acceleration.