A recent report by SoSafe revealed that an overwhelming 87% of security professionals have experienced an AI-driven cyber-attack within the past year, indicating a growing trend in the use of artificial intelligence for malicious purposes. The report also highlighted that a staggering 91% of security experts anticipate a significant increase in AI-driven threats over the next three years.
The World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 further emphasized the proliferation of deepfake-related tools on dark web forums, showing a 223% increase in trade between Q1 2023 and Q1 2024. This alarming trend underscores the need for heightened vigilance and security measures in the face of evolving cyber threats.
A survey conducted by SoSafe among 500 security professionals and 100 SoSafe customers across 10 countries revealed that the detection of AI-driven attacks remains a challenge, with only 26% of respondents expressing high confidence in their ability to detect such threats. Despite this, a staggering 96% of respondents acknowledged the critical importance of detecting AI-based attacks in order to safeguard their organizations.
Andrew Rose, Chief Security Officer at SoSafe, highlighted the impact of AI on cyber-attacks, noting that the technology has significantly enhanced the sophistication and personalization of malicious activities. However, while organizations are increasingly aware of the threat posed by AI-driven attacks, the data suggests that businesses lack confidence in their ability to effectively detect and respond to such incidents.
One of the key concerns identified by security leaders is the use of obfuscation techniques by cyber criminals, such as AI-generated methods to mask the origins and intent of attacks. Additionally, AI is facilitating multichannel attacks that leverage multiple communication platforms, including email, SMS, social media, and collaboration tools. This evolving strategy allows cyber criminals to mimic normal communication patterns, making their attacks appear more legitimate and sophisticated.
The survey also highlighted the unintended consequences of in-house AI adoption, noting that organizations are inadvertently expanding their attack surfaces and exposing themselves to new innovative threats such as data poisoning and AI hallucinations. Alarmingly, 55% of businesses have not fully implemented controls to manage the risks associated with their in-house AI solutions, underscoring the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures.
Despite the challenges posed by AI-driven cyber threats, SoSafe emphasized the potential for artificial intelligence to be “transformational” in cybersecurity defense through initiatives such as employee training, correlating security alerts, and automating code corrections. Niklas Hellemann, CEO of SoSafe, stressed the importance of cybersecurity awareness and the strategic application of AI in building stronger and more resilient organizations. By combining human expertise with advanced technology, organizations can stay ahead of the curve and effectively mitigate the risks posed by AI-driven attacks.