Experian’s 12th Annual Data Breach Industry Forecast projects that 2025 will see cybercriminals shift their focus towards AI-powered infrastructure, escalating the global data breach crisis.
Michael Bruemmer, Experian’s VP of Global Data Breach Resolution, highlights the trend:
“AI-related incidents are poised to dominate headlines, with hackers exploiting AI for phishing, password cracking, malware creation, and deepfakes.”
Top Cybersecurity Predictions for 2025
- Teen Hackers on the Rise:
- The FBI reports the average age of a cybercriminal is now 19.
- Teens are increasingly targeted by fraudsters through gaming and social media platforms.
- Insider Threats Enhanced by AI Training:
- AI education provided by employers could inadvertently enable employees to misuse this knowledge for internal fraud and data theft.
- Nationwide Cloud Infrastructure Under Threat:
- Cyberattackers may target power supplies essential to cloud operations, exploiting vulnerabilities in large AI-driven data centers.
- Hacker-on-Hacker Cyberattacks:
- Hackers themselves may fall victim to malware designed by rival attackers, blurring the line between predator and prey.
- Dynamic Identification Replacing Static IDs:
- Traditional identification methods like driver’s licenses may be replaced by dynamic personal identification information (PII) to combat rapidly evolving AI-driven fraud.
Heightened Cybersecurity Investments Needed
Jim Steven, head of crisis and data response at Experian, emphasizes the increasing sophistication of ransomware and its implications:
“AI-powered ransomware will escalate risks, forcing businesses to invest more heavily in cybersecurity to protect their operations and reputations.”
Takeaway
With AI driving both innovation and new vulnerabilities, businesses and individuals must stay vigilant. From securing AI-powered systems to adopting dynamic ID solutions, the fight against cybercrime is entering uncharted territory.