Research shows 80% of ransomware assaults are powered by artificial intelligence (AI) tools, elevating today’s rising tide of cyberattacks to new levels:
- During the first half of 2025, publicly reported ransomware crimes spiked 70% with nearly 1,000 documented occurrences
- Of those cases, more than a third were the work of one ransomware gang, testifying to the scaling force of AI
- Recent data shows half the ransomware instances across the globe occurred in the U.S., making our nation the “ransomware capital” of the world
In addition, AI technology enables malware creation, phishing campaigns and deepfake-driven social engineering attacks. And roughly a third of this cybercrime wave is washing over small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
How can SMB leaders weather this deluge without drowning? Despite recent AI innovations, proven methods for defending against cybersecurity threats remain effective. Here are three ways to take a cybersecure approach to the current AI-infused environment:
- Put Policy First – Develop and establish formalized policies and guidelines specifically for working with AI platforms your team may be using for your firm – and the AI technologies teams of malefactors may be using against your firm. Have staff review, acknowledge and attest to the acceptable use of AI tech at least once a year.
- Train, and Train Again – Educate employees at all levels – from frontlines to C suite – about both sides of the battle. As they learn to recognize and deflect common techniques like spear-phishing, deepfakes and bogus websites, teach them to identify and protect sensitive information, such as personal identifiable information (PII) and intellectual property (IP).
- Build a Bulwark– Maximize systems that blunt the negative impact of AI, such as applications for:
- Data loss prevention
- Endpoint/antivirus protection
- Safe web browser filtering
- Identity access management
- Data encryption
Want to know more? Call TeamLogic IT for a consultation. |
