Leaks, data breaches, and ransom notes: The worst hacks of 2026 so far

If we look back at the year of 2026 so far, it might be easy to see cybersecurity falling by the wayside, as much of the world’s attention remains on wars raging, the climate worsening, and we’re seemingly just one dodgy sneeze away from the next global pandemic. But cybersecurity remains a powerful barometer of what’s happening on the world stage, with botnets powering digital efforts to undermine the West and governments weaponizing citizens’ data and civilian infrastructure against entire populations of people. All the while, financially motivated hackers seek massive ransom payouts, as they spark disruption and occasional destruction across governments and private industries. As we’re halfway through this already horrendous year of digital attacks and hybrid warfare, we look at some of the worst hacks and breaches so far, and how they might affect us going forward. A year on, after operatives…