Microsoft says AI is aiding cyberattackers faster than defenders

Microsoft's 2026 Digital Defense Report states that cyberattackers are currently benefiting from artificial intelligence more rapidly than security defenders. The report finds AI is accelerating vulnerability discovery and malware development, shortening the time to exploit new security weaknesses to under 24 hours. While Microsoft believes defenders will eventually catch up, there's a multi-year window where attackers hold a strong advantage, especially in finding and weaponizing software vulnerabilities.

• AI lets cyberattackers find vulnerabilities faster than defenders
• Exploitation time has dropped below 24 hours after discovery
• Attackers use AI for malware creation and post-breach tasks
• Less-skilled hackers gain advanced capabilities through AI
• Defenders face a likely multi-year disadvantage before parity