Check Point Warns of 48% Rise in Cyber Attacks Worldwide

Organisations worldwide faced an average of 2,803 cyber attacks a week in September 2026, according to Check Point Research. That was up 48% from a year earlier. Its monthly threat data also showed a 16% rise from August, alongside increases in phishing activity, ransomware incidents and the exposure of sensitive information through enterprise use of generative artificial intelligence tools.

Key Details

The increase represents a significant escalation in the global threat landscape, with cybercriminals increasingly leveraging AI technologies to enhance their attack capabilities. The rise in phishing activity suggests continued reliance on social engineering techniques, while the growth in ransomware indicates persistent financial motivations behind many cyber attacks.

Why It Matters

This sharp increase in cyber attacks underscores the growing challenge organizations face in maintaining digital security. The convergence of traditional cyber threats with AI-powered attack methods creates a more complex and adaptive threat landscape that requires evolving defense strategies.

Context

Check Point Research's monthly threat data provides valuable insights into evolving cyber threats. The September 2026 figures represent a continuation of worrying trends in cybercrime, highlighting the need for sustained investment in cybersecurity measures and international cooperation to combat transnational cyber threats.