IBM Report Finds Data Breach Costs Hit $8 Million in Middle East, AI Attacks Rise

IBM’s 2026 Cost of a Data Breach Report shows the average breach cost in the Middle East has climbed to about US$8 million, up from previous years. AI‑enabled attacks were involved in 26 % of malicious breaches in the region, and organizations that deployed AI‑driven security and automation saw breach costs more than US$3 million lower than those that did not.

Identity and access management weaknesses were identified as the largest cost drivers, while encryption, DevSecOps and endpoint detection and response reduced expenses. The financial services and technology sectors recorded the highest average costs at roughly US$10.7 million each. Globally, the average breach cost reached US$5 million, with the United States exceeding US$11 million.

The report also highlighted that a breach can cost about US$1,100 per hour of delay, with the average time from intrusion to containment remaining around 247 days. Ransomware involvement rose to 39 % of incidents. In response, 59 % of surveyed firms plan to boost cybersecurity spending, prioritising identity and access management. IBM’s Saad Toma and Jeff Krum emphasized the need for rapid AI‑assisted detection and response to curb escalating financial losses.