Report: 82 Percent of Phishing Emails Used AI

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.

Featured

  • AI Is Now the Leading Cybersecurity Concern for Security, IT Leaders

    Arctic Wolf recently published findings from its State of Cybersecurity: 2025 Trends Report, offering insights from a global survey of more than 1,200 senior IT and cybersecurity decision-makers across 15 countries. Conducted by Sapio Research, the report captures the realities, risks, and readiness strategies shaping the modern security landscape. Read Now

  • Analysis of AI Tools Shows 85 Percent Have Been Breached

    AI tools are becoming essential to modern work, but their fast, unmonitored adoption is creating a new kind of security risk. Recent surveys reveal a clear trend – employees are rapidly adopting consumer-facing AI tools without employer approval, IT oversight, or any clear security policies. According to Cybernews Business Digital Index, nearly 90% of analyzed AI tools have been exposed to data breaches, putting businesses at severe risk. Read Now

  • Software Vulnerabilities Surged 61 Percent in 2024, According to New Report

    Action1, a provider of autonomous endpoint management (AEM) solutions, today released its 2025 Software Vulnerability Ratings Report, revealing a 61% year-over-year surge in discovered software vulnerabilities and a 96% spike in exploited vulnerabilities throughout 2024, amid an increasingly aggressive threat landscape. Read Now

  • Motorola Solutions Named Official Safety Technology Supplier of the Ryder Cup through 2027

    Motorola Solutions has today been named the Official Safety Technology Supplier of the 2025 and 2027 Ryder Cup, professional golf’s renowned biennial team competition between the United States and Europe. Read Now

  • Evolving Cybersecurity Strategies

    Organizations are increasingly turning their attention to human-focused security approaches, as two out of three (68%) cybersecurity incidents involve people. Threat actors are shifting from targeting networks and systems to hacking humans via social engineering methods, living off human errors as their most prevalent attack vector. Whether manipulated or not, human cyber behavior is leveraged to gain backdoor access into systems. This mainly results from a lack of employee training and awareness about evolving attack techniques employed by malign actors. Read Now

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.