# Interpol says AI is increasing the speed and scale of cyber threats

Digest AI · Policy & Regulation · published 2026-10-01T23:53:51Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/interpol-says-ai-is-increasing-the-speed-and-scale-of-cyber-threats

## Summary

Artificial intelligence is enhancing existing criminal tactics, such as scams and fraud, by increasing their speed and scale rather than revolutionizing them, according to INTERPOL. Bjorn R. Watne, global chief information security officer at INTERPOL, stated that scam operators are using AI to target multiple victims simultaneously. Improved translation and digital identities are also making it harder to distinguish fraudulent interactions from real ones.

Watne advised companies to prioritize protecting their most critical assets, or "crown jewels," rather than trying to defend against every threat at once. He noted that many companies still suffer from a disconnect between senior management and cybersecurity strategy, failing to realize that every modern business is essentially an IT company.

Additionally, Watne expressed concern over agentic AI as it gains the ability to take actions on behalf of users. He warned that incorrect actions, especially in physical domains like self-driving vehicles, could lead to real-world consequences and bodily harm. This risk is compounded by the high level of trust people place in new technology compared to financial services.

## Key points

- AI is evolving existing cybercriminal tactics by increasing their speed and scale, according to INTERPOL's Bjorn R. Watne.
- Companies should focus on protecting their most critical assets rather than trying to defend against all threats simultaneously.
- Agentic AI poses physical risks and potential bodily harm if systems perform incorrect actions in devices like self-driving cars.

## Why it matters

The warning highlights how AI-driven automation scale up cyber fraud, while the rise of agentic AI introduces physical safety risks that corporate boards must address.

## Sources

1. [INTERPOL says AI is increasing the speed and scale of cyber threats. Here’s what companies should watch](https://cnbc.com/2026/10/02/interpol-cyberattack-cyberthreat-agentic-ai.html) (CNBC Technology, 2026-10-01)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Interpol says AI is increasing the speed and scale of cyber threats", 1 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/interpol-says-ai-is-increasing-the-speed-and-scale-of-cyber-threats

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