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

Core Insights - The Q3 2025 Gen Threat Report highlights a significant rise in cybercrime, particularly driven by AI technologies, with a focus on phishing, data breaches, and digital tracking [1][2][3] AI-Driven Cybercrime Trends - Gen identified 140,000 AI-generated phishing sites, marking a notable increase in AI-created scam text message campaigns and an 82% rise in breach incidents [2][5] - The report emphasizes the emergence of "VibeScams," which are AI-built phishing sites that mimic real brands, allowing criminals to create convincing scams quickly [3][4] Data Breaches and Identity Theft - Breach activity surged by 82% quarter over quarter, with 83% of breaches containing passwords, indicating a shift towards more targeted attacks [5][6] - Financial-related identity theft attempts are increasingly focused on payday loans, which accounted for 32% of such attempts, highlighting a trend towards exploiting fast-cash products [6] Rise of Text Scams - Text-based fraud is on the rise, with automation and AI-generated messages making scams appear more authentic; the top five campaigns accounted for 26% of all malicious texts [7][8] - In 2024, reported losses from text-based scams reached $470 million, a fivefold increase since 2020, indicating a growing threat in mobile-first fraud [8] Digital Tracking and Privacy Concerns - Despite privacy measures, digital tracking continues to evolve, with an average of 247 million trackers blocked monthly and 37 million digital fingerprints detected [9] - Discussions around encryption and potential backdoors for authorities have raised concerns about data privacy and security in the UK and EU [9] Cyber Safety Initiatives - Gen researchers discovered a flaw in the Midnight Ransomware encryption, providing a free decryptor for victims, showcasing the company's commitment to cyber safety [10] - Gen's brands, including Norton and Avast, offer solutions to protect consumers from scams and identity theft, reinforcing their role in enhancing digital safety [11]