AI makes ransomware more effective in Australia study

Proofpoint research reveals AI has made ransomware attacks more effective in Australia, with 67% of victim organisations acknowledging increased attack effectiveness and 70% reporting data theft during incidents. The study highlights the use of AI-enhanced phishing tactics exploiting human trust, repeated extortion demands post-ransom payment, and a shift towards data theft rather than just system encryption.

This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Cybersecurity, and 2 sources have reported it between 24 Jul 2026 and 27 Jul 2026.