Bill Gates warns of potential rise in AI-driven cyberattacks within the next year

<p>Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates warned on October 11, 2026, that artificial intelligence could contribute to a rise in cyberattacks over the next year, stating that malicious actors are gaining access to powerful AI models without sufficient safeguards. Gates indicated that criminals might exploit advanced AI technology to disrupt financial systems, extort businesses, and conduct more sophisticated cyberattacks.</p><p>During an interview on CNN's "State of the Union" with Jake Tapper, Gates stated, "When you have bad people, no safeguards, and then the latest models, that's where, over the next year, primarily in the cyber area, we are going to have a lot of negative surprises."</p><p>Democratic strategist Oliver Libby noted that Gates' warning highlights the challenges policymakers face as AI technology advances and the U.S. aims to maintain its technological edge. Libby emphasized the need for a balance between innovation in AI and effective regulation, stating, "Leaders who can balance ensuring that America is not left behind, but that no American is left out, will win public trust."</p><p>Gates' remarks come amid reports from cybersecurity researchers indicating a significant increase in AI-enabled threats. According to CrowdStrike's 2026 Global Threat Report, attacks by AI-enabled adversaries rose by 89% year-over-year in 2025, with the average time for cybercriminals to move laterally through compromised networks reduced to 29 minutes.</p><p>Tapper questioned Gates about his concerns regarding AI's potential to facilitate the development of biological weapons, referencing Gates' assessment that the risk of a bioterrorist attack could increase by 50 times compared to that of a natural pandemic. Gates responded, "Well, no, we're not doing enough. The real danger right now is not the AI is getting out of control. We need to work on that, but that's years away in terms of the big impact that might have."</p><p>Gates elaborated on the financial motivations behind cyberattacks, including extortion schemes and disruptions aimed at manipulating financial markets or betting outcomes. He stated, "The front that we'll probably see most dramatically in the next year is cyberattacks, because there, there's a known business model where, you know, you threaten to do something and ask somebody to pay for that, or you create a disruption that changes something in the stock market or some betting thing that you go and do."</p><p>Libby called for a coordinated regulatory approach to address security risks while preparing Americans for the broader economic implications of AI. He suggested that regulation should focus on federal and international standards, platform responsibility, penalties for cyber and deepfake offenses, child safety, and ensuring public participation in the economic benefits of technological advancements.</p>