Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to conduct cyberattacks and online deception campaigns targeting the United States, according to a new Microsoft report released Thursday.
The company detected over 200 instances of foreign adversaries using AI-generated content in July — more than double the cases recorded in 2024 and ten times higher than in 2023. Microsoft’s annual digital threats report said hostile states are rapidly adopting AI to automate espionage, disinformation, and hacking operations.
“AI can now translate phishing emails into perfect English or even generate realistic digital clones of government officials,” the report warned.
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Amy Hogan-Burney, Microsoft’s vice president for customer security and trust, said attackers are increasingly targeting governments, businesses, hospitals, and transport systems, while many U.S. organizations still rely on outdated cyber defenses.
“This is the year when you absolutely must invest in your cybersecurity basics,” Hogan-Burney said.
The U.S. remains the top global target for cyberattacks, followed by Israel and Ukraine. Microsoft said AI-enabled operations by adversaries are reshaping the digital battlefield.
Source: AP