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Trust is Under Attack: AI and Automation Fuel a New Wave of Targeted Cybercrime

In the latest Q3 2025 Gen Threat Report, Gen Digital Inc., a leader in cybersecurity, unveiled alarming trends in the cyber threat landscape. Following an unprecedented surge in cyber-attacks driven by artificial intelligence and automation, the way cybercriminals operate is changing dramatically. With 140,000 AI-generated phishing sites identified and a staggering 82% increase in data breaches, the report paints a picture of a digital world where trust is rapidly eroding.

The Emergence of AI-Driven Threats

The rise of AI-powered phishing operations marked a significant concern this quarter. These advanced phishing sites, dubbed “VibeScams” by Gen's researchers, leverage AI to create scams that closely mimic real companies. Criminals can produce high-quality replicas of legitimate brands in mere minutes, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to discern genuine communications from fraudulent ones. Gen reported blocking over 140,000 of these scam sites this year alone, with the United States, France, Brazil, and Germany being primary targets.

The nature of these scams often begins with a fake delivery or payment notification that directs victims to a look-alike website, enticing them to input sensitive payment information. This alarming trend highlights how AI's capabilities have not only accelerated the production of these scams but have also improved their overall effectiveness.

Data Breaches: Quality Over Quantity

The report noted a significant shift in the tactics used by cybercriminals. Instead of aiming for a high volume of breaches that extract generic data, attackers are now focusing on “quality,” targeting specific data that can facilitate account takeovers. In fact, 83% of all breaches contained passwords, showing a strategic pivot towards acquiring valuable credentials through deception. This refinement plays into broader trends of identity theft and financial fraud, with payday loans comprising 32% of identity theft attempts.

The Rise of Text-based Scams

Text-based scams have also evolved, driven by AI-generated messages that appear increasingly legitimate. Gen Threat Labs analyzed hundreds of millions of text messages and identified a pattern of financial schemes aimed at tricking users into providing their payment information. The leading campaigns included fake job offers and refund scams, which made up a significant portion of malicious texts. Statistics from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission revealed losses of $470 million from such scams, a fivefold increase from previous years.

Digital Fingerprinting: A New Form of Tracking

Amid growing privacy concerns, digital fingerprinting has become a prevalent method of tracking internet users. Unlike traditional cookies, digital fingerprints can identify devices using a mix of settings and details, allowing even cookie-less tracking. Gen’s telemetry indicated an average of 247 million trackers being blocked monthly, emphasizing the silent threat of being tracked online.

Consumer Protection and Business Impacts

The report concluded on a note of positivity, as Gen discovered a proximity in addressing these challenges. Notably, they released a decryption tool in response to vulnerabilities in the Midnight Ransomware, helping individuals and businesses regain control over their files without needing to pay the ransom. This proactive approach reflects Gen's mission to empower consumers through innovative solutions, including Norton Scam Protection and LifeLock identity theft protection services.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the need for robust cybersecurity solutions has never been more critical. By staying ahead of emerging threats and leveraging advanced technologies, organizations like Gen are committed to ensuring that consumers can safely navigate their digital lives.

For the full insights into the Q3 2025 Gen Threat Report, visit Gen's official website.