# 2026 Cyber Predictions: AI Agents, Record Ransomware & Deepfake Disasters | DTF#031

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/dtf-cyber-podcast-7304144/2026-cyber-predictions-ai-agents-record-ransomware-deepfake-disasters-dtf-031
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/dtf-cyber-podcast-7304144/2026-cyber-predictions-ai-agents-record-ransomware-deepfake-disasters-dtf-031.md
Podcast: [DTF Cyber Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/dtf-cyber-podcast-7304144)
Published: 2025-12-24T16:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://cyberpodcast.net
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/6afa958d-f348-4aed-9ef7-ca825405b385.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/dtf-cyber-podcast-7304144/episodes/2026-cyber-predictions-ai-agents-record-ransomware-deepfake-disasters-dtf-031
Duration seconds: 2955

## Resource

Is 2026 the year AI takes over everything—including the crimes? 🤖💸 In the final episode of 2025, Damian and Troy break down their Top 8 Cyber Predictions for 2026. From AI agents executing 90% of breaches to ransomware payouts potentially hitting half a billion dollars, the future of cybersecurity is moving fast. We also discuss the "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" threat, why your LinkedIn profile picture might already be a lie, and the new $150k entry-level salary standard. Plus, we’re ending the year with a GIVEAWAY! 🎁 Drop your 2026 prediction in the comments—for every 10 predictions we receive, we’re picking a winner for some exclusive (and secret) DTF Cyber swag. In this episode, we cover: Why AI agents (not humans) will be behind 9 out of 10 breaches. The terrifying potential for a $500M ransomware payout. How deepfakes will finally cause a major real-world crisis. "AI Laundering": The new frontier for cleaning dirty crypto. Why entry-level cyber jobs are hitting $150k salaries (and the catch). 🔔 Subscribe for more unfiltered cybersecurity insights! ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Intro: Did AI change the world in 2025? 01:58 – Prediction #1: 90% of breaches will be executed by AI Agents. 07:40 – Prediction #2: Ransomware payouts will break records ($500M?!). 15:15 – Prediction #3: Identity becomes the central pillar (Passkeys backfire?). 20:00 – Prediction #4: A deepfake event will hit major global news. 24:45 – Prediction #5: "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" goes mainstream. 28:40 – Prediction #6: Mandatory AI Agent audits for federal contractors. 32:30 – Prediction #7: "AI Laundering" becomes the new money laundering. 38:15 – Prediction #8: Entry-level AI Cyber jobs will start at $150k. 45:00 – Bonus Prediction: The consolidation of massive data analytics. 47:00 – GIVEAWAY DE…

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