CYBERCRIMINALS TURN TO AI, FUELING WAVE OF ATTACKS ON BUSINESSES GLOBALLY

Mon 13 July 2026:

Cybersecurity experts are warning that criminals are using artificial intelligence to launch more convincing cyberattacks, making it easier to target businesses and organizations.

Finnish cybersecurity officials say threats remain at a high level, with phishing, ransomware, account theft and supply-chain attacks among the most common dangers, according to a report by Finland’s public broadcaster Yle.

Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer at cybersecurity company Sensofusion, told the broadcaster that AI has made cybercrime more efficient. Criminals can now use AI to write malware, create phishing emails, identify targets and automate parts of their attacks.

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“AI writes better Finnish than most Finns,” Hypponen said, warning that even Finland’s complex language is no longer a barrier against online scams.

Anssi Karkkainen, director general of Finland’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-FI), said AI is making attacks “easier, cheaper and more convincing,” especially when criminals pretend to be trusted individuals or organizations.

However, he said AI is not the main cause of the growing threat. Other factors include financial motives, poor cybersecurity practices and the increasing number of internet-connected systems.

A report by cybersecurity firm Check Point Software Technologies found that cyberattacks against Finnish targets increased compared with June last year. The company said education, research, public administration and telecommunications were among the most targeted sectors.

Experts say organizations should adopt stronger security measures, including keeping software updated, monitoring devices and systems, and maintaining reliable backups.

Traditional cyberattacks are getting a massive upgrade from AI. Instead of slow, manual hacks, criminals now use generative AI and autonomous AI agents to launch faster, smarter, and more scalable assaults.

AI-powered phishing & social engineering: Tools generate hyper-personalized emails, deepfake videos, or voice clones of CEOs in seconds. These bypass filters and trick employees into handing over credentials.
Autonomous agents: AI can run entire attacks end-to-end with little human input — scanning for vulnerabilities, stealing credentials, moving laterally across networks, and deploying ransomware. In July 2026, researchers documented the first fully autonomous AI ransomware attack (JADEPUFFER), where an AI agent adapted in real-time, encrypted data, and left a ransom note.
Speed & scale: AI compresses attack timelines dramatically (e.g., reconnaissance to full compromise in hours or even minutes), generates custom malware on the fly, and allows one operator to hit dozens of targets.

AI is involved in a growing share of breaches (around 16%+), driving higher costs, faster data exfiltration, and harder-to-detect threats. Businesses face ransomware, intellectual property theft, and regulatory fines.

AI lowers the barrier for attackers while amplifying their effectiveness. Defenses now require AI-powered security tools, strict access controls, employee training against deepfakes, and rapid patching.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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