Hong Kong ransomware cases up 18% as AI-aided attacks rise despite tech crime drop

Hong Kong police report a nearly 18% increase in ransomware cases in the first three quarters of 2026, even as overall technology crime declined. Authorities attribute the rise to AI-assisted attacks, with recent cases involving AI agents. This signals a shift in cyber threat landscape where AI lowers barriers for ransomware operations, potentially affecting regional cybersecurity posture.

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