Bill Gates warns of AI-driven cyberattacks and financial disruption

Bill Gates has warned that the lack of adequate safeguards in advanced artificial intelligence models could lead to a wave of ‘negative surprises’ over the next year. He specifically highlighted the potential for increased cyberattacks, extortion schemes, and financial disruptions. Gates noted that malicious actors could use AI to target public utilities, businesses, and financial systems, potentially manipulating stock markets or betting outcomes.

This warning aligns with data from CrowdStrike’s 2026 Global Threat Report, which indicated that attacks by AI-enabled adversaries increased by 89% year-over-year in 2025. The report also noted that the speed of attacks is increasing, with the average time required for criminals to move laterally through compromised networks falling to just 29 minutes.