Top Privacy and Identity Threats in 2026

As we move into 2026, protecting your personal information is more important than ever. Bad guys are finding new ways to steal your identity and private data. They're using computers and new technology to trick people and take what isn't theirs. How can you stay safe from the methods that cybercriminals are planning to employ in 2026?

That’s why we are here! With Identity Theft Awareness Week beginning January 26^th, now is the perfect time for us to give you the tools you need to enter this year feeling more secure and more empowered with knowledge. Get geared up to learn about top ID threats to help you stay safe. Keep reading to look at the biggest dangers to your privacy and identity this year. We'll also share how you can stay safe from these threats.

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Criminals are using AI to attack faster and smarter

Thieves are now using artificial intelligence, or AI, to steal people's information. AI is like a smart computer program that can learn and work very quickly. Bad guys use AI to send fake emails, texts, and messages that look real. These messages might seem like they come from your bank, a store you shop at, or even a friend.

AI helps criminals work much faster than before. In the past, a thief might send out a few hundred fake emails in a day. Now, with AI, they can send out millions of messages in just minutes. The AI can even change each message to make it more personal and believable.

These AI tools also help criminals find weak spots in your online accounts. The AI can try thousands of different passwords in seconds to break into your email or social media. It can study how you write and copy your style to trick your friends and family.

The scary part is that AI makes it easy for anyone to become a cybercriminal. Thieves don't need to be computer experts anymore. Simple AI programs can do the hard work for them. This means there are more thieves out there trying to steal your information than ever before.

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Ransomware attacks are getting more dangerous

Ransomware is a type of computer attack where criminals lock your files and won't let you see them until you pay money. In 2026, these attacks are becoming much worse. Thieves aren't just locking your files anymore. Now they're also stealing all your personal information before they lock everything up.

When criminals steal your data, they can threaten to share it with everyone if you don't pay. They might take your private photos, your bank information, your passwords, and other personal details. Then they tell you they'll post everything online for the world to see unless you give them money.

These attacks are hitting more regular people, not just big companies. Criminals are going after individuals and families because they know people will pay to keep their private information safe. They know you don't want your personal details shared with strangers.

The thieves are also asking for more money than before. They study their victims to figure out how much they can afford to pay. Some criminals even offer "payment plans" to make it easier for victims to give them money. This makes these attacks more successful and more common.

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Deepfakes are being used to trick and steal

Deepfakes are fake videos or audio recordings that look and sound completely real. Thanks to new technology, criminals can now make deepfakes that are almost impossible to spot. They use these fakes to trick people into giving away money or personal information.

A thief might create a fake video of your boss telling you to send money somewhere. Or they might make a fake phone call that sounds exactly like your grandchild asking for help. These deepfakes are so good that even careful people get fooled. The voice sounds right, the face looks right, and everything seems normal.

Criminals are also using deepfakes for blackmail. They might create a fake video of you saying or doing something bad. Then they threaten to share it unless you pay them. Even though the video isn't real, it can still hurt your reputation if people see it.

Social media makes deepfakes even more dangerous. Thieves can find your photos and videos online and use them to create convincing fakes. They study how you talk, how you look, and how you act. Then they make deepfakes that your friends and family may believe are real.

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How IDShield can protect you

With all these threats out there, you need someone watching your back. That's where IDShield comes in. IDShield offers identity theft protection and restoration services that help keep you safe. If someone does steal your identity, IDShield can help you fix the problem.

When your identity gets stolen, it can take months or even years to fix everything on your own. You have to call banks, credit card companies, and government offices. You have to fill out forms and prove who you really are. With IDShield, you get expert help with all of this. A licensed private investigator can do the hard work for you. They'll make the phone calls, fill out the paperwork, and fight to restore your identity to its pre-theft status. You won't have to figure it all out alone.

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Stay protected with monitoring and alerts

IDShield also watches over many parts of your life to catch problems early. The service monitors your financial accounts, social media, the dark web, and more. If something suspicious happens, IDShield will send you a real-time alert.

The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where criminals buy and sell stolen information. IDShield searches the dark web to see if your personal details are being shared or sold. If your information shows up there, you'll get an alert. IDShield also watches your bank accounts and credit cards for strange activity. IDShield monitors your financial accounts including credit cards, checking, savings, 401k, 403 (b), 457 accounts, loans and more for discrepancies. You will receive alerts of financial withdrawals, balance transfers and large purchases on financial accounts, if a transaction is made outside of a set monetary amount.

If someone tries to open a new account in your name or makes a purchase, you'll get an alert. The faster you know about a problem, the faster you can stop it. With IDShield monitoring your information all day and night, you can feel safer knowing someone is always watching out for you.

There is no better time than Identity Theft Awareness Week to sign up for the security that IDShield can offer you! As the FTC helps spread the word about common identity threats, we help fight the bad guys by protecting what matters most to you – your identity.
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Check out our membership plans to learn all the ways that IDShield can help protect you!

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IDShield is a trademark of Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. (“LegalShield”). LegalShield provides access to identity theft services through membership-based participation. IDShield is a product of LegalShield. Some of the services provided under the plan by third party providers are subject to change without notice. All Licensed Private Investigators are licensed in the state of Oklahoma. The information made available in this blog is meant to provide general information and is not intended to provide professional advice, render an opinion, or provide are commendation as to a specific matter. The blog post is not a substitute for competent and professional advice. Information contained in the blog may be provided by authors who could be third-party paid contributors. All information by authors is accepted in good faith; however, LegalShield makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of such information. The Identity Theft Insurance is underwritten and administered by American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida, an Assurant company. LegalShield is not an insurance carrier. Please refer to the actual policies for terms, conditions, and exclusions of coverage. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions.