A new wave of AI-powered cyberthreats is emerging. more advanced, more compelling and more dangerous than ever.
The World Economic Forum has identified AI-generated disinformation as the biggest global risk in the next two years.
This tactic misleads both consumers and businesses, leading them to phishing websites and fraudulent helplines that pose as reputable brands with surprising accuracy.
These scams are no longer just about grammatical errors and suspicious links. Today’s threats are sophisticated, professional, and powered by generative AI tools that can mimic tone, branding, and even conversations in real time.
The result? More and more victims realize that they have been deceived only when it is too late.
Deepfakes and voice cloning: the rise of artificial intelligence fraud
One of the most alarming developments in AI-based fraud is the use of deepfake videos and voice cloning.
These techniques, once limited to entertainment, are now used as weapons to impersonate managers, customer service representatives, and even family members.
These identity thefts are difficult to detect in real time, especially when combined with social engineering tactics. As the technology becomes more accessible, the risk of widespread abuse increases.
The ClickFix scam: a silent, fast-growing threat
ClickFix fraud is one of the fastest growing cyber threats. These attacks trick users into copying and pasting malicious code, often disguised as routine system repairs or CAPTCHA checks.
The scam usually starts with a pop-up or fake support page claiming that the user’s system has been hacked. It then provides a “quick fix” that copies a block of code to a terminal or browser console, giving the attacker control.
According to CyberPress.org, ClickFix scams increased by 517% from late 2024 to mid-2025 and now account for nearly 8% of all blocked cyber incidents. Microsoft’s Threat Intelligence team reports thousands of attacks every day, and government actors are also using this tactic.
What makes ClickFix particularly dangerous is its simplicity. Unlike traditional malware that requires downloads or attachments, these scams rely on user action. Once executed, the code can disable security settings, install spyware, or redirect traffic to malicious domains.
Phishing Evolves: QR Codes and Fraudulent Messages Every Day
According to KeepNet Labs, phishing remains a dominant threat. It is estimated that 3.4 billion phishing emails are sent every day. But tactics evolve.
Attackers are increasingly using malicious QR codes that can be embedded in emails, brochures or even restaurant menus. According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, more than 1.7 million unique malicious QR codes were detected last year alone.
These codes often redirect users to fake login pages or initiate downloads of programs infected with malware. Because QR codes are inherently opaque and users cannot see the destination address before scanning, they are an ideal tool for fraud.
According to Pew Research, 73% of American adults have fallen victim to some form of online fraud. Almost a third receive scam calls every day and 28% receive scam emails every day. In 2024 alone, online fraud in the United States caused $16.6 billion in losses, affecting individuals and businesses large and small.
The emotional toll is just as important. Victims often report feelings of shame, fear and distrust, especially when scams involve impersonating a loved one or a trusted institution.
Business Impact: Beyond Financial Losses
For businesses, the consequences of AI fraud go far beyond financial losses. Brand reputation and customer trust are usually the first losses. When a fraudster impersonates a company’s management or customer service team, victims may associate the scam with the brand itself, regardless of the company’s actual involvement.
This loss of trust can lead to loss of revenue, negative media coverage and long-term reputational damage. Even regulated industries, such as finance and health care, may be subject to compliance investigations and legal liability. Additionally, internal morale can suffer if employees feel vulnerable or unsupported when dealing with advanced cyber threats.
Cyber security should be seen as a strategic requirement. Investments in staff training, incident management planning and proactive threat monitoring are critical to maintaining resilience.
Cyber security tips for consumers and businesses
Whether you’re a small business owner, business executive, or regular Internet user, your best defense is to stay informed and alert. Here are the most important steps to protect yourself:
- Review search results, especially sponsored or AI-generated links.
- Avoid running commands from pop-ups or websites that claim to fix system problems.
- Please check the contact information independently and do not rely on the content of the message.
- Educate your employees about phishing warning signs, such as urgent deadlines and fake addresses.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all accounts.
- Keep your systems up to date with the latest security patches and antivirus software.
- Restrict access to management tools to non-technical users.
Cyber security is everyone’s concern. Threats can evolve, but so can the tools and strategies to combat them.
Looking ahead: preparing for 2026 and beyond
As we look ahead to 2026, the cybersecurity landscape will continue to be shaped by the twin forces of innovation and exploitation. Generative AI will play an increasingly important role in both offense and defense.
On the one hand, attackers will use artificial intelligence to automate scams and customize phishing attempts. In turn, defenders will use artificial intelligence to detect anomalies, predict threats and respond in real time.
Businesses and consumers must prepare by adopting a culture of continuous learning and digital hygiene. Cyber security awareness must be integrated into daily activities and personal habits.
The best defense is proactive. By staying informed, investing in smart technologies and promoting a security-first mentality, we can all help build a safer digital world.
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