AI is beginning to carry out live cyberattacks, Check Point warns

(DigWatch) AI is moving beyond assisting cybercriminals to carrying out operational tasks during live intrusions, according to Check Point Research’s Annual AI Security Report 2026. The report argues that AI-enabled cyber operations are entering a new phase in which AI systems can execute parts of an attack rather than simply helping attackers write code, research targets or prepare phishing campaigns. The shift could make cyber operations faster and less dependent on continuous human oversight. Check Point said it observed AI carrying out hands-on tasks during incidents ranging from China-linked campaigns to a criminal breach affecting several Mexican government agencies. According to the company, these capabilities are spreading beyond state-backed actors to financially motivated cybercriminals. – AI is beginning to carry out live cyberattacks, Check Point warns | Digital Watch Observatory