AI Isn't Just Helping Your Business — It's Powering Cybercriminals Too

Artificial intelligence isn’t just transforming business productivity — it’s also changing the way cybercriminals operate. SMBs are often the most vulnerable, with limited staff and resources to defend against evolving threats. 

In this article, we’ll cover three of the most urgent AI-powered risks facing SMBs today — and what you can do to prepare. 

AI-Powered Phishing 
Hackers now use AI to generate realistic, personalized emails that mimic vendors, partners, or even executives. These phishing campaigns are far more convincing than traditional spam, making them difficult to detect. 

• ⚠️Stat: 84% of SMBs reported phishing attempts in the past year (Verizon DBIR). 

• ✔️Action: Train employees with phishing simulations and adopt advanced filtering tools. 

Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) 
AI is being used to scale ransomware attacks at speed, with automated targeting and execution. For SMBs, a single incident can be devastating. 

• ⚠️Stat: Downtime costs average $127–$427 per minute, with some businesses losing up to $100K per hour (ITIC, EN Computers).

• ✔️Action: Maintain regular backups, enforce MFA, and partner with providers who can ensure business continuity. 

Deepfake & Social Engineering 
Deepfake audio and video impersonations are being used to trick employees into transferring funds or handing over credentials. For SMBs, these attacks bypass traditional defenses. 

• ⚠️Stat: One in four small businesses have seen a deepfake scam (voice or video) in the past year (Electro IQ).
  
  
• ✔️Action: Implement strict verification protocols for sensitive requests and educate staff on emerging tactics. 

AI is here to stay — and so are AI-powered cyber threats. The question for SMBs is whether their IT strategy is ready to meet the challenge. 

👉 For a deeper dive, download our free eBook: AI Cyber Threats in 2025: What SMBs Need to Know to Stay Secure.