Experian® today released its 2027 Data Breach Industry Forecast: Consumers at Risk, offering a look at the evolving cybersecurity landscape and the growing risks facing consumers and organizations in the years ahead. Now in its 14th year, the annual report explores how artificial intelligence (AI), identity fraud, data breaches and digital deception are converging to create what may become one of the biggest cybersecurity challenges of next year and beyond: a crisis of trust.

As cybercriminals gain access to decades of stolen personal data and increasingly powerful AI tools, businesses may find it harder than ever to verify identities online to combat fraud. At the same time, consumers may face increasing difficulty distinguishing legitimate communications from fraudulent ones and preventing identity doppelgängers. The report examines how these trends could transform the relationship between businesses, consumers and digital trust.

"Organizations have spent years focusing on preventing breaches and securing data. But with decades of exposed data already circulating the focus also needs to be on verification practices, combatting fraud and helping consumers determine what and who they can trust," said Michael Bruemmer, Vice President of Global Data Breach Resolution at Experian. "Cybersecurity is entering a new era where proving authenticity is just as important as protecting data and Experian can help with leading verification and fraud prevention services as well as providing post-incident response support. Businesses that prepare now will be in a stronger position to navigate the evolving threat landscape and maintain customer confidence."

Emerging Trends That Could Shape 2027

The forecast outlines four predictions that examine potential changes and risks on the horizon, including:

• Proof of Being Human Becomes the Hottest New Market: The rise of technologies and services designed to help organizations and consumers verify authenticity in an AI-driven world.
• The Rise of the Digital Doppelgänger: The evolution of identity theft as cybercriminals build increasingly sophisticated and convincing profiles of individuals.
• Consumers Fighting Fire with Fire: New ways consumers may attempt to protect themselves from identity theft as the number of data breaches continues to climb.
• Breach Notifications Need a Reset: How growing skepticism toward digital communications could influence regulatory mandates and future data breach notification practices.

Experian Data Breach Resolution helps organizations respond quickly and confidently to data breaches with over 24 years of crisis-management experience. The company's services include breach preparedness, consumer notification, contact center support, identity protection services and global response capabilities designed to help organizations protect customer trust and reduce reputational risk.