AI-Powered Phishing to Account for 80% of Attacks by 2025: A Guide for Ukrainians to Stay Protected.

Phishing Attacks: Threats and Variants

According to Novyny.live: Phishing remains one of the biggest cybersecurity threats, responsible for roughly 60% of all initial cyberattacks. Attack techniques are constantly evolving, and by 2025, over 80% of phishing campaigns are expected to leverage artificial intelligence. This rapid adoption of AI by cybercriminals makes these attacks harder to detect and prevent, posing a growing risk to individuals and organizations alike.

Types of Phishing

Phishing comes in several distinct forms, each with its own approach:

• Classic phishing
• Quishing
• Spearphishing
• Smishing
• Vishing
• Whaling
• BEC
• Deepfakes

Each method has unique characteristics and execution strategies that make them effective for achieving malicious goals.

Starting in early spring 2026, CERT-UA will detect phishing campaigns impersonating the Prometheus platform. Additionally, in March 2025, a wave of messages containing archives with DarkTortilla executable files was observed on the Signal messenger. These incidents highlight the growing threat of phishing, as attackers exploit diverse channels and techniques to reach their targets.

On March 26 and 27, 2026, CERT-UA also recorded mass emails sent under its own name. This underscores the critical need for user awareness about potential threats and strict adherence to security measures. As technology advances and cybercriminal methods shift, staying vigilant and cautious online is essential to prevent potential losses.

The rise in phishing attacks, particularly those incorporating cutting-edge technologies like AI, signals an urgent need for continuous improvement in cybersecurity systems. Users should practice caution and learn to identify suspicious messages to minimize risks. For organizations, investing in employee training and deploying robust protection mechanisms is key to countering these evolving threats.