AI Phishing Rises by 450%: How Cybercriminals Manipulate People.

According to Korrespondent.net: Research shows that people are significantly more likely to click on malicious links in phishing emails created using artificial intelligence. This is mentioned in the annual Microsoft Digital Defense Report, which cites information from The Register.

Higher Probability of Clicking on Phishing Emails

According to the report's findings, last year the click rate on AI-generated phishing emails was 54%, while regular phishing messages had only 12%. The profitability of such attacks could increase by up to 50 times, as confirmed by the document.

Artificial Intelligence in the Hands of Malefactors

Microsoft notes that artificial intelligence allows fraudsters to create more realistic messages, considering the language, culture, and habits of the recipients. This significantly increases the success rate of phishing operations.

The company considers this 'the biggest change in phishing over the past year' as artificial intelligence not only enhances the quality of fake emails but also broadens the scale of the attacks.

Increase in AI Utilization in Cyber Espionage

Microsoft has identified a significant increase in the use of artificial intelligence in cyber espionage operations, particularly by government entities. If in 2023 there were no cases of AI use by governmental groups, by 2024 there were already over 200 such cases.

However, the main threat currently comes from cybercriminals motivated by financial gain. Microsoft data shows that 52% of all attacks are commercially motivated, while only 4% are espionage-related.

New Methods of Social Engineering

The report also discusses a new social engineering method called ClickFix. This method forces users to perform malicious commands themselves, presenting them as 'system updates' or 'patches.'

Microsoft calculated that ClickFix became the most common method of initial access in 2025 - 47% of cases compared to 35% of traditional phishing. Analysts also noted the emergence of complex multi-stage attacks that combine emails, phone calls, and fake accounts in Microsoft Teams.

'Cybercriminals no longer 'break into' systems - they persuade users to log in for them,' Microsoft concludes.

Recall that earlier reports indicated the detention of hackers who infected networks of global companies.

Most hackers have already engaged artificial intelligence - NBC

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The use of artificial intelligence in phishing attacks underscores the growing threat to users as malefactors become increasingly creative in their methods. It is important to remain vigilant and avoid clicking on suspicious links, especially in messages that seem too plausible. This report from Microsoft is yet another reminder of how important it is to be aware of contemporary threats in the online space.