Samsung SDS released a new report on Monday identifying the biggest digital threats companies face this year. Based on surveys from hundreds of IT professionals and data from recent attacks, the Korean tech giant warns that artificial intelligence is shifting from a helpful tool into a serious security liability.
The report highlights “AI agents” as a major concern for 2026. These are autonomous programs that perform tasks on their own. Samsung says these agents could accidentally leak private data or gain too much access to sensitive systems. The company advises businesses to set up strict “guardrails,” such as requiring human approval before an AI can move money or change critical files.
Ransomware is getting nastier, too. It isn’t just about locking up files anymore. Samsung SDS warns of “quadruple extortion.” This means hackers encrypt data, threaten to leak it, launch internet-flooding attacks to crash websites, and even blackmail customers directly. Companies need multilayered backup plans and constant monitoring to survive these aggressive attacks.
The cloud remains a weak spot for many organizations. The report notes that weak passwords and careless sharing settings often leave the door open for intruders. At the same time, phishing scams are becoming the main way hackers get inside a company to cause bigger problems. Samsung suggests using real-time monitoring tools to spot these holes before bad actors find them.
Chang Yong-min, the head of Samsung’s security unit, said old defense methods simply won’t cut it anymore. “AI and AI agents will amplify emerging threats,” he explained. He argues that companies must fight fire with fire, using AI-powered tools to detect and stop attacks that move faster than humans can react.
Finally, the report urges companies to look beyond their own walls. Data breaches often happen through third-party vendors or partners in the supply chain. Samsung SDS recommends treating security as a shared responsibility, ensuring that every vendor meets strict safety standards to keep the whole ecosystem safe.
