Latest Internet & Cybersecurity News

đź“…January 16, 2026 at 1:00 AM
2026 cybersecurity dominated by AI-driven threats, geopolitical risks, critical vulnerabilities like Ni8mare, ransomware attacks on Kyowon and others, and rising fraud.
1

CVE-2026-21858 'Ni8mare' Vulnerability Exposed 100,000 n8n Instances

Cyera disclosed CVE-2026-21858, a CVSS 10.0 unauthenticated RCE in n8n workflow automation platform, affecting ~100,000 global instances including critical infrastructure.Source 2 The flaw enables full takeover via content-type confusion, with PoC exploits released January 7, 2026.Source 2 n8n patched it in November 2025 as version 1.121.0.Source 2

2

Instagram 17.5 Million User Records Leaked on Dark Web

A 17.5M Instagram user dataset from a mid-2024 API exposure surfaced on BreachForums January 7, 2026, sparking phishing via password-reset abuse.Source 2 Malwarebytes alerted on January 9-10, with Have I Been Pwned indexing it by January 12.Source 2 Instagram patched the reset vulnerability on January 11.Source 2

3

Kyowon Group Ransomware Attack Disrupts South Korean Operations

South Korean conglomerate Kyowon confirmed a ransomware attack detected January 10, 2026, exfiltrating data and hitting 600 of 800 servers.Source 4Source 6 Service outages affected subsidiaries; up to 9.6M accounts may be impacted.Source 6 Kyowon isolated systems and is investigating with authorities.Source 4Source 6

4

94% of Leaders See AI as Top Cyber Risk in 2026

World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026 reports 94% of leaders identify AI as the primary force reshaping cyber risk.Source 1 64% of organizations now assess AI tool security, up from 2025.Source 1 AI supercharges threats while enhancing detection and resilience.Source 1

5

Geopolitical Cyberattacks Now in 64% of Risk Plans

64% of organizations include geopolitically motivated attacks like espionage in 2026 risk mitigation, per WEF Outlook.Source 1 Volatility centers cybersecurity strategy amid fragmentation and AI adoption.Source 1 Collaboration emphasized for resilience.Source 1

6

Cyber-Enabled Fraud Affects 73%, Tops CEO Concerns

73% reported personal or network impact from cyber fraud in 2025, now CEOs' top worry over ransomware, says WEF.Source 1 AI scams, deepfakes, identity fraud threaten households and brands.Source 1 Fraud universalizes cyber risk.Source 1

7

INE's Top 2026 Trends: AI Attacks, Identity as Core Defense

INE predicts AI escalates attacks and defenses; identity emerges as primary surface needing cross-trained teams.Source 3 Ransomware targets backups faster; focus on hands-on response training.Source 3 Shift to coordinated defense across environments.Source 3

8

Ransomware Attacks Rose 32% Globally in 2025

Comparitech reports 7,419 ransomware incidents in 2025, up 32% from 5,631 in 2024, with manufacturers as top targets.Source 12 Trend continues into 2026 with OT exposure rising.Source 5 Attacks grow more targeted and disruptive.Source 3

9

OT Exposure to Drive Ransomware in 2026

runZero predicts ransomware targeting OT/edge systems as they connect via IT/cloud, increasing internet exposure.Source 5 AI scales exploits, creating noise; new AI vulnerability class may emerge.Source 5 Vulnerability decision-making challenged by fragmentation.Source 5

10

Bitsight Predicts Vulnerability Ecosystem Fragmentation

Bitsight foresees 2026 fragmentation in CVE tracking by regions/polities, complicating management.Source 7 Warns of AI overreach, outdated infra risks, and Y2K38 'Epochalypse' by 2038.Source 7 Focus on actionable intelligence needed.Source 7

11

White House New Cybersecurity Strategy Expected January 2026

Upcoming White House strategy emphasizes offensive cyber operations.Source 9 Aligns with trends in AI, geopolitics shaping tech policy.Source 9 Experts roundup highlights emerging tech impacts.Source 9