Zscaler report highlights targeted AI-driven phishing threats

Zscaler’s latest report on phishing indicates a 20% drop in global phishing incidents; however, attacks are becoming more focused on departments such as IT and finance.

Analyzing over two billion blocked phishing attempts in 2024, the report highlights how cybercriminals are employing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance their tactics.

Deepen Desai, CSO of Zscaler, stated, “The phishing game has changed. Attackers are using GenAI to create near-flawless lures and even outsmart AI-based defenses.” He emphasized the necessity for organizations to adopt advanced AI-driven defenses.

Emerging markets, including Brazil and Hong Kong, are experiencing a rise in phishing activities, with traditional markets like India and Germany remaining significant targets.

Community platforms such as Facebook and Telegram have become integral in facilitating phishing attacks, while tech support scams led to over 159 million hits last year.

As cybercrime evolves with AI, Zscaler's report advocates for a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) combined with AI capabilities to combat these threats effectively.

For detailed insights, the full Zscaler ThreatLabz 2025 Phishing Report is available for download.