In 2024 we witnessed a very rapid growth of AI attacks. Predictions for 2025 indicate that this trend will strengthen, affecting both companies and individual users.
But what are the main risks we need to be aware of and what are the defensive strategies that can be implemented to continue surfing safely? Let's find out together with the help of updated data.
AI-Powered Threats: Phishing, Deepfakes, and Automated Attacks
Cybercriminals are already using AI to create phishing campaigns that are so personalized they can be called “tailor-made.” Generative AI algorithms are able to analyze large volumes of online data to extract personal information and create emails that closely mimic the communication style of figures considered trustworthy by the victim.
According to some projections, phishing emails targeting businesses are now generated more than 50% of the total cases by AI. While there is no up-to-date data on the success rate of these campaigns, it is undeniable that this level of automation has led to a huge increase in attack volume.
Social engineering techniques are no longer limited to written formats, expanding into other communication sectors thanks to the use of deepfakes to create audio and video files. These attacks use realistic voices and images created with artificial intelligence, capable of deceiving users, inducing them to disclose sensitive data or complete transactions in good faith.
A recent and concrete example that can be cited took the form of a series of attacks that, thanks to deepfake technology, used the physical appearance and voice of company executives to create messages addressed to employees, with the explicit request to make a payment to a bank account that was only later discovered to be in the name of cybercriminals.
Attack Automation and Plastic Malware
As we have anticipated, AI has facilitated the automation of cyber attacks. In addition, hackers use algorithms capable of identifying vulnerabilities in real time to adapt malware based on the defenses detected. This type of threat, which includes advanced ransomware capable of modifying its behavior to avoid detection, is causing significant economic damage: according to IBM data, the The average cost of a cyber breach has reached $4,88 million, marking an all-time record, up 10% compared to previous years.
New defensive technologies and defensive tools
To avoid being caught unprepared in the face of these threats, it is necessary to invest in security solutions that also exploit artificial intelligence. We can talk about advanced anomaly detection systems, automated incident response platforms and technologies applied to threat intelligence, capable of countering attacks in real time.
Among other effective security solutions, we can also mention the virtual private network. Trying a VPN for free reliable you can test the service and discover how this technology can protect sensitive data at every stage of navigation, hiding the IP address and the nature of the information transmitted via the Internet.
Conclusions and final advice
The phenomenon of cyber attacks that exploit AI is more alarming than ever. Ignoring the problem thinking that you are safe simply because there are other more “attractive” targets is not an effective strategy.
Practical and easy-to-apply solutions are already available, such as the best free VPNs or automatic software update systems. But we must not forget about personal training, to stay up to date on the latest news and not be caught unprepared.
