AI tools flood into underground cybercrime markets

Hackers are increasingly turning to AI tools in underground cybercrime markets, with ads for these tools skyrocketing from around 50 per month in late 2025 to over 1,400 by February 2026. This surge suggests AI is democratizing hacking, making it easier and cheaper for even novice criminals to engage in cybercrime. The implications are significant; as more people gain access to advanced hacking capabilities, the risk of widespread and sophisticated cyber attacks grows, posing a major threat to global cybersecurity.