AI, Automation, and the Dark Web Are Supercharging Cybercrime 
The future of cyberattacks isn’t coming.
It’s already here — faster, smarter, and more dangerous than ever.
- FortiGuard Labs' 2025 Global Threat Report reveals a massive leap in attack speed and sophistication.
- Attackers now automate reconnaissance, weaponize vulnerabilities faster, and scale operations like never before.
- AI tools like FraudGPT, WormGPT, and BlackmailerV3 are making it easy for anyone to launch targeted attacks.
Here’s how the threat landscape is evolving:
- Automated scanners now launch 36,000 vulnerability scans per second.
- AI-generated phishing, deepfakes, and identity theft campaigns are exploding.
- Dark Web marketplaces are booming — with 42% more stolen credentials for sale year-over-year.
- Initial Access Brokers (IABs) are selling direct entry into corporate networks, VPNs, and admin panels.
No one is safe — and attackers no longer need technical skills.
A few clicks, a few dollars, and you have the tools to breach global enterprises.
Especially at risk:
- Manufacturing (attacks up 17%)
- Business Services (up 11%)
- Retail and Construction (up 9% each)
Defense strategies must evolve too:
- Think like an attacker — not just a defender.
- Emulate real-world adversaries through red and purple teaming.
- Prioritize rapid patch management and automate threat detection at scale.
In 2025, standing still is losing.
Security teams need to outpace — or be outplayed.