What if I told you that most cyberattacks today are not being run by people, but by artificial intelligence?

That is the reality we are facing right now.

Recent research shows that 80 percent of ransomware attacks are now powered by AI. That means four out of every five attacks are automated.

And it does not stop with ransomware. AI is being used to:

• Write convincing phishing emails that can trick people into clicking a link or sharing sensitive information
• Crack passwords at incredible speed
• Bypass CAPTCHAs—those puzzles meant to prove you are human
• Generate fake customer service calls using deepfakes, where AI mimics someone’s voice or even their face

Why does this matter for small and midsize businesses?

The real challenge is speed and scale. Attackers using AI can try thousands of ways to break in, while a human would only manage a handful. While you need to protect every possible door, an attacker only needs to find one way in.

That is what makes this such a big risk.

Traditional defenses like antivirus software and occasional system updates are struggling to keep up. AI-driven attacks change and adapt faster than human teams can respond. So, businesses need to think differently about staying protected.

The good news is that AI can help on the defensive side, too.

Modern security systems can use AI to spot suspicious behavior, predict attacks before they happen, and even set traps for hackers.

The best approach is a layered one. Combine solid basics like regular patching and updates with advanced, AI-powered security tools, human oversight, and clear policies.

AI-powered cybercrime is not going away. In fact, it is expected to grow. But with the right mindset and proactive defenses, your business does not have to be an easy target. Acting now is the best way to stay ahead of criminals who are relying on AI to do the heavy lifting.

If you want to make sure your business is secure, we are always here to help. Reach out any time.