The Surge of AI-Driven Cyber Threats: Why Awareness Is No Longer Enough

Cyber threats are evolving at an unprecedented pace, and artificial intelligence is playing a significant role in this shift. Cybercriminals are no longer just individuals manually executing attacks AI-powered tools are automating scams, phishing attempts, and large-scale fraud at a level we’ve never seen before.

This is evident in the latest cybersecurity data from Converge ICT Solutions Inc., which reported blocking a record-breaking 183 billion access attempts to blacklisted sites in 2024. That’s 18 times more than the total blocked between 2021 and 2023. According to Converge Chief Executive Advisor Eugene Yeo, this surge suggests that cybercriminals are now leveraging AI to bypass security measures, making it a battle of AI versus AI.

Converge is taking a proactive approach by emphasizing cybersecurity education. Through partnerships with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), the company is launching the Safer Internet 2025 campaign, an initiative designed to equip individuals and businesses with the knowledge to defend themselves against evolving cyber threats. Topics such as AI-driven scams, social engineering, and financial fraud are being highlighted, reinforcing the importance of digital self-defense.

But awareness alone isn’t enough. AI-powered threats move too quickly for traditional cybersecurity measures to keep up. Businesses need real-time detection and response capabilities to counter these automated attacks before they cause damage.

That’s where advanced cybersecurity solutions come in. As a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP), Directpath Global Technologies (DGT) helps organizations stay ahead of these threats with AI-driven security solutions like Managed Threat Detection (MTD), Extended Detection and Response (XDR), and Vulnerability Risk Management as a Service (VRMaaS). Our Artificial Intelligence Division also works beyond cybersecurity, helping companies optimize security and operational efficiency through AI-driven insights.

Cybercrime isn’t slowing down, and AI is making it more dangerous than ever. Businesses and individuals alike need to adopt a mindset of continuous vigilance, combining education, proactive security measures, and AI-powered defenses to stay protected in an increasingly digital world. The question is no longer if cybercriminals will target you but whether you’re prepared when they do. Source: Manila Bulletin