AI sharpens cat-and-mouse hacking battle as companies strengthen defences

Amidst a surge in cyber threats, companies are increasingly relying on AI to bolster their defenses. Hacked refrigerators, cryptocurrency heists, and vulnerabilities in widely-used web software have left organizations scrambling to patch security flaws. AI-powered security tools are being developed and invested in to help manage the workload, with some companies turning to these tools to stay ahead of hackers.

A cyberattack on European supermarkets has underscored the urgency, forcing retailers to discard millions of dollars worth of spoiled food. The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list reported nearly 37,000 security flaws in software or computer systems in the third quarter of 2026, tripling from the previous year. AI is being used to detect and restore systems more quickly than before, while also posing a risk of further attacks.

Companies like Binance, the Port of Rotterdam, and Siemens are increasing their investment in AI-enhanced detection systems, while retail giant Ahold Delhaize adjusts to a new reality of cyber threats.