The increasing frequency of cyberattacks globally is alarming, particularly in regions that are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies without adequate cybersecurity measures. A report published in March 2026 by cybersecurity firm Check Point identifies Bosnia and Herzegovina as the country facing the greatest risk due to this gap between AI integration and security preparedness.
The study assessed 38 countries, measuring their digital defenses against a range of AI-driven cyber threats. It evaluated factors such as the extent of AI adoption, cybersecurity policy, infrastructure, and crisis management. These elements were juxtaposed with the calculated cybersecurity threats, including exposure to Botnets, Infostealers, banking trojans, ransomware, and mobile attacks. A lower Security Index score indicates a country’s diminished readiness to combat AI-related threats.
Bosnia and Herzegovina emerged as the most vulnerable, with 20% of its organizations employing AI technologies in various sectors. The country received a score of zero across multiple cybersecurity measures, including critical information infrastructure and crisis management, indicating a significant lack of protective policies. Approximately 14% of its infrastructure is currently susceptible to cyberattacks, with Botnet attacks being the predominant threat.
Following closely is Kuwait, which exhibits the highest exposure to cyber threats among the top ten countries analyzed. With nearly 20% of its digital infrastructure vulnerable to attacks, Kuwait has also embraced AI technologies, deploying them in about 19% of its business and tech sectors. Despite updating its digital policies more rapidly than Bosnia and Herzegovina, significant gaps remain in its cybersecurity framework, particularly concerning critical information infrastructure and incident response.
Qatar ranks high in AI adoption, with approximately 38% of organizations integrating the technology into their operations. However, the absence of documented cybersecurity measures for critical infrastructure raises concerns. The report indicates that 6% of Qatar’s digital systems are at risk, with ransomware being a prevalent method of attack targeting residents.
Jamaica has also made strides in AI integration, with 22% of its tech and business sectors adopting these technologies. However, insufficient regulatory policies and a low cyber incident response score highlight the country’s vulnerabilities, as around 15% of its digital infrastructure remains at risk of cyber intrusion.
Completing the top five is Costa Rica, where 27% of organizations utilize AI. The nation currently enjoys a lower exposure to cyber threats, with only 6% of its systems identified as vulnerable. Nevertheless, the swift adoption of AI raises alarms about future risks, especially since minimal cybersecurity measures are in place to protect critical infrastructure.
The findings illustrate a troubling trend where AI serves both as a tool for innovation and as a potential gateway for cyberattacks. AI-enhanced botnets have evolved, becoming fully autonomous and capable of executing complex cyber operations with unprecedented speed. This development compresses multi-day attack strategies into mere minutes, escalating the urgency for robust cybersecurity frameworks worldwide.
As AI technologies continue to proliferate, the intersection of cybersecurity and AI presents a dual-edged sword. Countries lagging in cybersecurity measures must urgently address these vulnerabilities to protect their digital ecosystems from increasingly sophisticated threats. The implications of failing to adapt could be severe, not only for national security but also for economic stability and public trust in technology.
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