Experian Innovation Lab Celebrates 15 Years of Transforming Industries

As we approach 2026, artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool for innovation—it’s a weapon in the hands of cybercriminals. Our 13th Annual Data Breach Industry Forecast, released today, highlights how AI is poised to redefine the cybersecurity landscape, introducing a new era of highly personalized, persistent, and technologically advanced attacks. We outline six key predictions, with AI emerging as the central theme. From synthetic identities and autonomous AI agents to shape-shifting malware and even vulnerabilities in brain-computer interfaces, the forecast paints a picture of a threat environment that’s evolving faster than many organizations can keep up with. The stakes are high. In the first half of 2025 alone, more than 8,000 global data breaches exposed approximately 345 million records [1]. Experian’s clients in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada were among the hardest hit. Consumers Are Feeling the Impact To check the pulse of how consumers are feeling about the impact of AI on security, we recently conducted a national survey in the U.S. and UK. The findings reveal growing anxiety around AI-driven threats. In both the U.S. and U.K., more than 80% of respondents expressed concern about AI being used to create fake identities indistinguishable from real people. Millennials appear especially vulnerable, with 1 in 4 reporting identity theft in the past year and nearly a quarter falling victim to phishing attacks. The findings also show a lack of confidence in corporate defenses: 69% of U.S. adults don’t believe their bank or retailer is prepared for AI-driven attacks. 76% believe cybercrime will continue to escalate and become impossible to slow down due to AI. 35% worry about being held personally liable for cybersecurity mistakes at work. Preparing for the AI-Driven Future While the threats are daunting, organizations can turn the tide by adopting AI defensively. Proactive investments in AI-powered threat detection, employee training, and incident response planning will be critical in 2026 and beyond. Experian Data Breach Resolution has more than 20 years of experience helping companies manage a security incident and it’s no different today than it was two decades ago – the same technologies that are being used against us can also be used to protect us. AI can help detect anomalies faster, automate responses, and reduce human error. But it requires investment, training, and preparation. To review all six predictions, download the paper here. Understanding what’s coming is the first step toward building a stronger, more resilient cybersecurity strategy. [1] Data Breach Statistics 2025: Key Trends, Costs & Risks Revealed, SQ Magazine, October 6, 2025

Fraud impacts more than just the bottom line. It affects confidence, relationships, and the sense of security that every business and customer depends on. At Experian, helping to rebuild that trust through data and technology has become part of who we are. That commitment was recently recognized when our Commercial First Party Fraud Score received the Gold Award for Banking Fraud Prevention in Juniper Research’s 2025 Fintech & Payments Awards. First party fraud is one of the most difficult types of financial crime to uncover. It often begins with what looks like a legitimate credit application, only to turn into a default or a “bust out” once credit has been extended. The losses can be significant, but what makes this type of fraud so challenging is how well it hides in plain sight. Our teams developed a new model that uses advanced machine learning and blends consumer and business insights. The Commercial First Party Fraud Score analyzes credit patterns and behavioral data from more than 250 million consumer records. It spots early warning signs that traditional credit models often miss, giving lenders a clearer picture of who they are working with from the start. In testing, the model identified 22 percent more fraudulent applications and 33 percent more high-risk applicants compared with older systems. This improvement helps organizations reduce costs, speed up onboarding, and better serve genuine customers. The recognition from Juniper Research is more than an award. It represents progress toward a safer and more transparent financial system. By combining innovation, data, and purpose, we continue to help businesses make smarter choices and protect the trust that keeps the economy moving. Learn more about the Juniper Research Fintech & Payments Awards here.

This week marks the start of International Fraud Awareness Week, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about fraud prevention and empowering businesses and individuals to take proactive steps against financial crime. At Experian, we’re dedicated to helping organizations and consumers stay ahead of fraudsters and anticipate future threats. That’s why I’m excited to announce the launch of a new Experian DataTalk podcast series: Fraud Frontlines. This series will feature conversations between myself and industry experts and innovators on the latest fraud trends and strategies to mitigate risk. Introducing DataTalk’s Fraud Frontlines Series: Insights from Episode One In our inaugural Fraud Frontlines episode, I sat down with Nash Ali, Experian’s VP of Fraud Strategy, to discuss how fintech innovation has reshaped the fraud landscape and what that means for the future. As financial technology continues to revolutionize how people transact online, it’s also changing how fraudsters operate. The rise of GenAI and automated scams has introduced a new level of sophistication that demands equally advanced defenses. Key Themes & Insights: AI vs. AI: The New Battleground: Fraudsters are weaponizing GenAI to create sophisticated scams. What’s the way forward? Deploying AI-powered defenses that detect anomalies, identify malicious bots, and uncover coordinated fraud rings in real time. Smart Friction, Not Roadblocks: Consumers demand security without sacrificing convenience. Leading fintechs are embracing risk-based orchestration, applying adaptive controls tailored to user behavior instead of rigid authentication. Behavioral Biometrics to Combat Bots: Experian’s behavioral analytics powered by NeuroID enable the detection of bots and are evolving to recognize and distinguish between good agents and fraudulent agents. This capability analyzes multiple new digital and behavioral signals without adding friction to the user experience. The Rise of Agentic AI: Transactions are beginning to involve autonomous agents acting on behalf of humans. Businesses must prepare to authenticate these agents, validate the human and the intent behind them and distinguish automation from bad actors. Fintechs have enabled great new digital experiences, rapid response rates and a focus on user convenience. This digital transformation has also led to new attack surfaces for fraudsters. Traditional industry players and fintechs alike are joining forces to fight these new types of fraud. The challenges are complex, but the opportunities to innovate have never been greater. These are exciting times for those shaping a safer digital economy. I invite you to listen or watch the episode and stay tuned for new episodes and ongoing insights into fraud trends and prevention strategies. Listen to the episode Watch on YouTube Learn more about Experian’s fraud prevention solutions