NordVPN warns of AI-driven industrialization in cybercrime

NordVPN has released a 2026 consumer cybersecurity report highlighting a shift toward the industrialization of cybercrime driven by generative artificial intelligence. The report notes that attackers are moving away from mass, non-targeted strikes toward highly personalized campaigns that exploit user trust and urgency. The accessibility of AI-driven fraud kits is lowering the barrier to entry for criminals, posing significant risks to personal data and financial security.

During the first half of 2026, NordVPN blocked 4.4 million phishing attempts and identified 94 billion exposed cookies. The company processes over 12 million unique URLs daily and blocks an average of 130,000 malicious pages every day. Malware remains a primary threat, with over 5 million blocks recorded in January 2026 alone.

Infostealer malware has seen significant propagation, particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Western Europe. Additionally, phishing attacks have become increasingly precise, frequently targeting approximately 300 major brands, with Microsoft identified as a primary target.