In March 2026, ransomware incidents reached a staggering 775, marking a rise of 22% from February. While there was a slight overall decrease of 3% in the total number of attacks for the first quarter, the NCC Group's Threat Pulse report indicates a growing sophistication in cyber threats, particularly through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by malicious actors.
Various entities, including nation-states and hacktivists, are leveraging AI technologies to enhance the effectiveness of their attacks, utilizing large language models for tasks such as social engineering and generating credible messages. This trend poses significant challenges to existing cybersecurity measures, which struggle to adapt to these advanced tactics.
The report also highlights a concerning internal vulnerability known as “vibe coding,” where generative AI is used to create software that bypasses established security protocols, leaving systems vulnerable. North America is identified as the primary target for cyberattacks, accounting for over 52% of incidents, with the industrials sector being the most impacted, representing approximately 30% of March's attack activity.