Kaspersky, a leading cybersecurity firm, recently unveiled its predictions on AI-driven shopping and privacy’s future. Drawing from real-world incidents and key threat trends, they predict significant changes in the retail and e-commerce industry by 2026.
These insights form part of Kaspersky’s 2025 update, focusing particularly on retail and e-commerce cybersecurity. The report delves into the effects of AI-driven shopping, a trend set to revolutionise the retail sector. It emphasises the importance for retailers to comprehend the risks and challenges accompanying the growing automation and personalisation of online shopping.
AI-driven shopping promises a tailored, seamless shopping experience. However, it raises questions about privacy and data security. The use of AI in online shopping entails collecting and processing vast amounts of personal data, making it a prime target for cybercriminals.
Key Trends and Predictions for 2026
The report by Kaspersky offers insights into what retailers and e-commerce businesses can expect in the future. It stresses the need for solid cybersecurity measures in a world where AI’s role in retail and e-commerce is expanding.
Kaspersky predicts that by 2026, AI will play a significant role in the shopping experience. Retailers will increasingly rely on AI to tailor the shopping experience, anticipate consumer behaviour, and optimise inventory management. Yet, this heightened dependence on AI also presents challenges, particularly around data security and privacy.
The report highlights escalating privacy concerns among consumers as a key trend. As online shopping integrates more AI, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of their shared data and its use. Consequently, retailers need to prioritise data privacy and security, implementing stringent measures to protect customer information.
Lastly, the report signals a growing trend towards more personalised and automated shopping experiences, driven by AI. This means that retailers need to carefully manage customer data and ensure its ethical use. They also need to invest in cybersecurity measures to protect against potential threats.
