Report: 82 Percent of Phishing Emails Used AI

  • Apr 15, 2025

KnowBe4, the world-renowned cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, today launched its Phishing Threat Trend Report, detailing key trends, new data, and threat intelligence insights surrounding phishing threats targeting organizations at the start of 2025.

Based on data generated by KnowBe4 Defend, this edition highlights the growing threat of ransomware and explores how cybercriminals are using sophisticated tactics to bypass native security and secure email gateways (SEGs). It also examines how AI is being leveraged to create polymorphic phishing campaigns, how attackers are infiltrating the hiring process to access systems and data, and the increasing success of attacks evading traditional defenses.

Key Findings From the Report:

  • Between September 15, 2024 and February 14, 2025 there was a 17.3% increase in phishing emails compared to the previous six months.
  • 82.6% of all phishing emails analyzed exhibited some use of AI.
  • The report observes a 22.6% increase in ransomware payloads.
  • The phishing hyperlink, malware, and social engineering payloads getting through traditional detection have surged, with phishing hyperlinks increasing by 36.8%, malware by 20%, and social engineering tactics by 14.2% compared to the previous six months.
  • Additionally, there has been a 57.9% increase in attacks being sent from compromised accounts getting through traditional detection.
  • The top five legitimate platforms used to send phishing emails include DocuSign, Paypal, Microsoft, Google Drive, and Salesforce.
  • Currently the most impersonated brands include Microsoft, Docusign, Adobe, Paypal, and LinkedIn.

The report examines the unprecedented scale of polymorphic phishing tactics, now present in 76.4% of all phishing campaigns, which use AI-generated variations to bypass traditional security measures. Meanwhile, ransomware payloads in phishing attacks have risen by 22.6% over six months, with a sharp 57.5% increase in just three months—exemplified by a sophisticated INC Ransom payload detected by KnowBe4 Defend. The research also highlights how cybercriminals are increasingly targeting the hiring process, with 64% of attacks focused on engineering roles, exploiting their access to critical systems and data.

"As ever, innovation in phishing threats and defenses is accelerating rapidly," said Jack Chapman, SVP of threat intelligence at KnowBe4. "In this report, we have observed cybercriminals evolving their tactics, leveraging ransomware and polymorphic campaigns with new strategies to evade detection by both traditional and advanced technologies. As we move through 2025, both phishing threats and defenses will continue to evolve, emphasizing a holistic approach that integrates technical defenses with human risk management. A strong security culture starts with detection but is reinforced by awareness, continuous education, and adaptive technology." The Phishing Threat Trends Report, Vol 5 is available for download here.

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