Cybercriminals don’t take breaks, and experts warn that next year, cybercrime will become even more advanced, largely due to the rise of AI technology.

Sandra Joyce, Vice President of Threat Intelligence at Google, explained that AI is increasingly being used to create more convincing phishing attempts, such as emails or texts that mimic payment reminders to trick victims. “People really need to think twice before clicking on anything,” Joyce said, emphasizing that even messages that seem highly realistic can be designed to provoke anxiety and push individuals into making hasty decisions.

While AI is enhancing the capabilities of cybercriminals, it can also be used as a tool to fight back. Joyce shared that Google has trained its language models to identify scam-related language, helping to detect and block malicious communications. This use of AI allows for a more proactive approach in spotting cyber threats before they can cause harm.

Experts also recommend multi-factor authentication (MFA) as one of the best defenses against cyberattacks. By adding an extra layer of security, users can significantly reduce the chances of unauthorized access. For organizations, it’s critical to ensure that employees are regularly trained to recognize potential cyber threats and stay up-to-date on best practices for digital security. As cybercrime tactics evolve, staying informed and vigilant will be key to staying protected.