Cybersecurity and AI trends impact banking and investment in Europe

Cybersecurity threats and technological shifts are increasingly impacting users across Central and Eastern Europe. In the Czech Republic, banks report a 41% year-on-year increase in internet fraud, with criminals utilizing stress and social engineering to trick victims into handing over cash or sensitive data. Simultaneously, a survey shows that 34% of Czechs view AI in banking as dangerous, though 81% expect its increased use.

Technological advancements are also reshaping professional sectors. IBM is deploying its AI agent, Bob, to assist with software development and security operations, capable of performing tasks in minutes that previously took analysts hours.

In the investment landscape, young Slovaks are increasingly favoring ETF funds, with 48% of the 18-26 age group preferring them, though they also show a higher inclination toward riskier assets like cryptocurrencies. Meanwhile, in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, digital payment security remains a priority. While 98% of Serbians trust digital transactions, there is a high expectation for banks to provide automated protection. In Bosnia, the rise of spoofing attacks—where criminals manipulate caller ID information—is undermining user trust in digital communications.