COSTA MESA, Calif. — Experian‘s new 2027 Data Breach Industry Forecast: Consumers at Risk is predicting a potential “crisis of trust,” as criminals use exposed information and AI to create more convincing impersonations.
Now in its 14th year, the report examines how those threats could change the relationship between businesses and consumers online.
“Organizations have spent years focusing on preventing breaches and securing data,” said Michael Bruemmer, Experian’s vice president of global data breach resolution. “But with decades of exposed data already circulating the focus also needs to be on verification practices, combatting fraud and helping consumers determine what and who they can trust.”
Four Trends
Experian identified four trends that could shape 2027:
- Proof of being human: Growing demand for tools and services that verify whether an online interaction is authentic.
- Digital doppelgängers: More sophisticated fraudulent profiles built to impersonate individuals.
- Consumers fighting fire with fire: New ways people may try to protect their identities as breaches continue.
- A reset for breach notifications: Greater skepticism toward digital messages that could affect how companies notify consumers of breaches and how regulators set notification requirements.
Trends as Forecasts
The report presents those trends as forecasts. Experian said businesses should strengthen identity verification and fraud prevention while helping customers assess whether communications are legitimate.
Experian’s data breach resolution business provides breach preparation, consumer notifications, contact center support and identity protection services.
