As the cybersecurity landscape braces for 2025, the latest Acronis Cyberthreats Report (H2 2024) paints a stark picture: cybercriminals are leveraging AI-driven tools to launch highly sophisticated attacks, while ransomware and phishing campaigns continue to rise globally.
Key findings from the report highlight a 5% surge in ransomware incidents, with APT-linked groups increasingly targeting Managed Service Providers (MSPs)—a strategic move aimed at infiltrating businesses at scale. The United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Italy emerged as top malware targets in December 2024, while email-based attacks skyrocketed by 197% compared to H2 2023.
AI’s dual nature as a cybersecurity asset and weapon has become more pronounced. The rise of AI-powered malware and phishing campaigns—including state-sponsored initiatives by North Korea and Iran—demonstrates how generative AI is enabling cybercriminals to scale attacks faster and with greater sophistication. Tools like ChatGPT and WormGPT are being exploited to automate fraud, while AI-generated deepfakes are being used for corporate espionage.
Data breaches continue to plague industries, with financial services, healthcare, and retail among the hardest hit. In one of the most severe incidents, Evolve Bank & Trust suffered a breach affecting 7.6 million individuals, exposing sensitive financial data.
The report underscores the urgent need for businesses to adopt AI-driven cybersecurity defenses, implement multi-layered security strategies, and enhance incident response capabilities to counteract the evolving threat landscape. With ransomware and AI-powered fraud only expected to escalate in 2025, companies that fail to adapt may find themselves on the losing end of this digital arms race.
Source: Acronis Report H2 2024 Cyberthreats Report, H2 2024
