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Discover the latest online threats and cyber security updates impacting global businesses and consumers, informed by F-Secure threat intelligence experts.
In summary:
From AI-enhanced cyber attacks to chatbots mimicking human interactions, this month’s F-Alert highlights predictions for online scams in 2025.
Discover how lawmakers are pressuring telecom operators, banks, and social media companies to take responsibility for protecting consumers from scams.
Explore how scammers are targeting individuals interested in Bitcoin and other digital assets as DeFi continues to gain mainstream adoption.
Everyday AI tools will become instrumental in cyber attacks
The use of AI tools for malicious purposes has become increasingly evident over the past year. In 2025, we can expect more sophisticated attacks leveraging everyday AI tools like ChatGPT, ElevenLabs, or others that are affordable and easily accessible online.
Service providers will be penalized for failing to prevent scams
Lawmakers worldwide are pressuring telecom operators, banks, and social media companies to take responsibility when customers fall victim to fraud. New bills are being passed in Australia and the UK, with the US expected to follow suit in 2025 and beyond.
Scammers will exploit rising Bitcoin investment as DeFi goes mainstream
In 2025, Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is expected to attract even more users seeking alternatives to traditional finance. However, as it becomes more mainstream, scammers are likely to exploit individuals interested in Bitcoin and other digital assets, particularly those unfamiliar with the risks of blockchain-based finance.
Scammers will use AI to simulate human phone calls at scale
Sophisticated AI chatbots allow scammers to mimic real human interactions at scale, with 24/7 conversations in multiple languages. Paired with deepfake audio, these call-based scams blur the line between human and machine interactions, making them far more dangerous than robocalls. By 2025, this threat is expected to rise exponentially.
The privacy battle between regulators and retailers will impact children
In 2025, social media giants and shopping magnates will adopt new business practices to bypass the growing influence of regulators. This will be especially evident in the domain of children, as many of the fines levied this year were related to the inappropriate collection of children's data.
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