GLOBAL DATA BREACHES JUMP 13% IN Q3 2026, UKRAINE LEADS SURGE

Global data breaches increased by 13.2 per cent in the third quarter of 2026, with approximately 121.8 million online accounts compromised between July and September, highlighting the growing threat cybercriminals pose to individuals, businesses and governments worldwide.

A new report by cybersecurity company Surfshark revealed that the number of compromised accounts rose significantly compared with the second quarter of the year, as hackers continued to exploit weaknesses in digital systems and online platforms.

The United States recorded the highest number of compromised accounts, with 38.1 million affected during the period. Brazil followed with seven million, while the United Kingdom recorded 5.8 million, India had 5.5 million and Australia reported 3.1 million.

Ukraine experienced one of the most dramatic increases, moving from 47th position in the previous quarter to sixth globally after recording approximately 2.6 million compromised accounts within three months.

The United Kingdom also witnessed a significant surge, with compromised accounts increasing by 121.6 per cent compared with the previous quarter. The development made it Europe's most affected country during the reporting period.

According to Surfshark's Chief Security Officer, Tomas Stamulis, the growing threat extends beyond the overall number of compromised accounts. The concentration of attacks in several countries is also increasing cybersecurity risks.

Estonia recorded the world's highest breach density, with 18 compromised accounts for every 1,000 residents. Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom followed.

Nigeria ranked 56th globally, recording a six per cent increase in compromised accounts during the third quarter.

The findings highlight the growing importance of stronger digital security as individuals and organisations increasingly depend on online services for financial transactions, communication, business operations and data storage.

Cybersecurity experts continue to encourage organisations to strengthen their security systems, monitor suspicious activities, update software regularly and adopt stronger authentication measures.

As digital adoption expands worldwide, protecting personal information is becoming an increasingly important responsibility for governments, technology companies and individual internet users.