IBM X-Force
IBM's threat intelligence and incident response team; publishes an annual index of attack trends for security leaders and boards.
At a glance
- Entity level
- Unit within an organisation
- Type
- Unit of a company
- Part of
- IBM
- Also known as
- IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence
- Flagship output
- X-Force Threat Intelligence Index (latest: 2026 X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, 25 February 2026)
- Category
- Cyber & technology risk
- Tier
- Tier 1: Annual X-Force Threat Intelligence Index is among the most widely cited global cyber threat reports.
- Headquarters
- Armonk, United States
- Coverage
- Global cyber threats by sector and region; ransomware, vulnerabilities, supply chain, AI-enabled attacks.
- Public access
- Registration
- Latest activity seen
- 25 Feb 2026
- Evidence
- Active in 2025 to 26
How it produces intelligence
Incident response engagements, managed security telemetry and dark web monitoring aggregated into an annual trend index.
Risk themes
Focus regions
Leadership
- Mark Hughes, Global Managing Partner, Cybersecurity Services, IBM
Links
What it publishes
| Output | Type | Cadence | Latest edition | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X-Force Threat Intelligence Index | Threat report | Annual | 2026 X-Force Threat Intelligence Index | 25 Feb 2026 | Read report |
Latest findings
Recent public risk calls by IBM X-Force, summarised in our own words. They are its views, not 311's. Follow each source for the original.
Attacks starting with exploitation of public-facing applications rose 44%, driven by missing authentication and AI-assisted vulnerability discovery.
25 Feb 2026 · Horizon: 2025 data / 2026 · Source: IBM 2026 X-Force Threat Intelligence IndexVulnerability exploitation was the leading initial cause, behind 40% of incidents X-Force handled in 2025.
25 Feb 2026 · Horizon: 2025 data · Source: IBM 2026 X-Force Threat Intelligence IndexActive ransomware and extortion groups grew 49% year on year; large supply-chain compromises have nearly quadrupled since 2020.
25 Feb 2026 · Horizon: 2025 data · Source: IBM 2026 X-Force Threat Intelligence IndexNorth America became the most-attacked region for the first time in six years (29% of cases); manufacturing most targeted for a fifth year.
25 Feb 2026 · Horizon: 2025 data · Source: IBM 2026 X-Force Threat Intelligence Index
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Questions about IBM X-Force
What is IBM X-Force?
IBM's threat intelligence and incident response team; publishes an annual index of attack trends for security leaders and boards.
How does IBM X-Force produce its intelligence?
Incident response engagements, managed security telemetry and dark web monitoring aggregated into an annual trend index.
Where is IBM X-Force based?
IBM X-Force is based in Armonk, United States.
What does IBM X-Force cover?
Its work covers cyber, technology & ai, with a focus on Global.
Profile compiled by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit from public sources. Last checked 21 Oct 2026. Listing is not a ranking or an endorsement. Evidence source. Is this your organisation? Request a correction.