You might have heard the claim: around 80% of ransomware attacks now involve artificial intelligence in some way.
Whether that number is spot-on or a little off, the takeaway matters more than the math. Hackers are getting smarter, faster, and harder to stop.
The Shift You Didn’t See Coming
You already know the basics. Phishing emails, stolen passwords, outdated software – those are the front doors criminals love to check. And maybe you feel pretty confident your team is doing the right things. Strong passwords, antivirus, backups… all the essentials.
But here’s the catch: AI makes those old tricks look brand new.
Scammers are now using AI to:
- Write flawless phishing emails that sound like they came from your accountant or office manager.
- Clone voices to leave fake voicemails from your bank or a vendor.
- Automate scans of your public data to customize attacks that feel shockingly real.
- Write malware in seconds, or tweak it to slip past defenses.
This isn’t sci-fi anymore. It’s happening. And the tools are cheap, easy, and everywhere.
Why This Hits Home
This is bigger than just tech jargon. It’s about the very heart of your business; your people, your data, your reputation.
Here’s why the risk is rising:
- AI tools are now as easy to access as a search engine.
- Attackers are getting more selective. They’re looking for high-value targets (not necessarily “big” ones). Meaning, companies that hold sensitive data, can’t afford downtime, and often don’t have dedicated security teams.
- Most small operations still have gaps: aging systems, part-time tech help, or that old idea that “we’re too small to be a target.” (That myth dies hard, but it’s dangerous now.)
- Hackers only need one crack in the wall. You’ve got to lock down the whole house.
If It Hits You, Here’s What It Can Cost
A single AI-assisted attack can lead to:
- Locked-up data and ransom demands.
- Days or weeks of downtime while you try to recover.
- Damage to your reputation, especially if client or customer information gets exposed.
- Legal and compliance issues, depending on what kind of data you hold.
- Expensive cleanup: recovery, notification, fines, or lost business.
And the worst part? You may not even know you’ve been breached until the damage is done.
So What Can You Do Right Now?
Here’s where we shift from panic to prevention. You don’t need to panic, but you do need to act.
Start here:
1. Nail the Basics
- Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) for email, apps, and admin access.
- Keep everything patched and updated.
- Limit access. Everyone only gets what they need.
- Test your backups and make sure they’re stored off-network.
- Train your team regularly. Phishing isn’t what it used to be.
2. Understand How Hackers Use AI
Even if the “80%” number is fuzzy, it points to something real. Attackers are now using AI to create phishing content, generate deepfake voicemails, crack passwords, automate research, and more.
You’re not just watching out for broken English and shady links anymore. These messages can look legitimate.
3. Build Defenses That Match Today’s Threats
- Use email filters that catch sneaky language, not just known threats.
- Monitor for strange behavior, like files being encrypted in bulk or data being copied offsite.
- Consider cybersecurity tools that use AI on the defense side too. Think of it as fighting fire with fire.
- Create an incident response plan that covers AI-enabled attacks. Who calls who? What gets shut down? How do you notify your customers?
4. Keep Leadership Informed
- Make sure the people signing the checks understand what’s at stake.
- Run simulations or tabletop exercises. Practice what would happen if a deepfake voicemail triggered a wire transfer or client data got encrypted.
- Review your vendors. How secure are the tools and software you depend on?
- Double-check your cyber insurance. Are you covered for ransomware and business interruption? Are you meeting their requirements?
5. Keep Moving
- Set up regular audits or security reviews. Ask your IT provider about simulated AI threats.
- Subscribe to threat alerts or newsletters from trusted sources.
- Make space in your budget to update old hardware, refresh training, and improve your cybersecurity posture.
About That 80% Number…
Let’s be honest. Not everyone agrees with that stat. Some cybersecurity pros say it’s overstated, or that it’s being used to sell tools. They point out that most attacks still come from stolen credentials or email phishing, not full-on AI robots taking over.
Fair point. But even if it’s not 80%, it’s something. And that “something” is growing fast.
What used to take a hacker hours can now be done in minutes with AI. That’s the bottom line.
What You Need to Remember
If you’ve been thinking you’re too small or too local to worry about this, now’s the time to rethink that. AI doesn’t care how many employees you have. It doesn’t ask where you’re based. It just looks for vulnerable systems and jumps in.
The good news? You don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert. You just need to work with someone who sees the bigger picture and has your back.
Let the “80%” stat serve as a wake-up call – not a scare tactic. The risk is real. But so are the solutions. Let’s get you covered.