Cybersecurity in 2025 is caught in a tug-of-war between innovation and exploitation. The rise of agentic AI—AI that can operate autonomously, make decisions, and interact with systems—has reshaped both cyber defense and cybercrime. Security teams are leveraging AI-driven automation to fill skills gaps and respond to threats faster than ever. But attackers have the same tools at their disposal, and they’re using them to scale operations, evade detection, and strike with unprecedented speed.
Ransomware remains the biggest threat. In 2024, attacks increased by 13%, and cybercriminals set a grim new record: a $75 million ransom payment to the Dark Angels group, the largest ever. Meanwhile, large ransomware groups like LockBit and ALPHV have either been dismantled or ceased operations, making way for smaller, stealthier "dark horse" gangs that are harder to track and even harder to stop.
Agentic AI is changing the rules of engagement. The question now isn’t whether an organization will be targeted—it’s how fast and effectively it can respond.
The Rise of Agentic AI in Cybersecurity
Artificial intelligence is no longer just an assistant; it’s an operator. Unlike traditional prompt-driven AI models, agentic AI can act independently, navigate networks, and adapt to new threats in real-time.
For defenders, this is a breakthrough. Security teams have long struggled with a shortage of skilled professionals, and agentic AI helps fill the gap. These systems automate threat detection, patch management, and incident response, working around the clock without fatigue or oversight. A security operations center (SOC) enhanced with AI can scan for vulnerabilities, flag anomalies, and neutralize threats before human analysts even log in for the day. Organizations that deploy AI-driven defenses can react faster, reducing the window of opportunity for attackers.
But the same technology is empowering cybercriminals. Agentic AI lowers the barrier to entry for ransomware gangs, allowing them to scale operations with minimal human involvement. Attackers don’t have to manually probe networks or craft phishing lures. AI can handle reconnaissance, launch attacks across multiple targets simultaneously, and even refine tactics based on real-world feedback.
Mark Stockley, cybersecurity evangelist at Malwarebytes, warns that "underground markets for unrestricted AI agents are already forming, allowing cybercriminals to exploit the technology in new ways." He sees agentic AI as a force that will reshape cybersecurity at an alarming rate.
For defenders, the challenge isn’t just stopping an attack, it’s keeping up with a threat landscape that evolves in real time.
Evolving Ransomware Tactics
New dark horse groups don’t operate like traditional ransomware outfits. They move quietly, strike quickly, and avoid the high-profile attention that led to the downfall of their predecessors.
Instead of relying on complex malware, many of these new gangs are turning to Living Off the Land (LOTL) tactics, using legitimate software tools to infiltrate networks and remain undetected. By exploiting built-in administrative tools like PowerShell, remote desktop software, and system scripts, attackers can move through a system without triggering traditional antivirus alerts. The shift to LOTL means defenders can’t rely solely on signature-based detection. Security teams must now look for behavioral anomalies: unexpected access patterns, unusual process executions, and privilege escalations that could signal an attack in progress.
At the same time, attack timelines are shrinking. What used to take weeks—from initial breach to data encryption—now happens in a matter of hours. Many ransomware groups have streamlined their operations to execute attacks overnight when IT staff are least likely to respond. Companies must take a proactive stance, using AI-driven monitoring, automated threat hunting, and rapid incident response to keep up.
The Role of AI in Phishing and Social Engineering
Phishing attacks have always relied on deception, but AI is making them more convincing than ever. Attackers are using AI-generated emails, messages, and fake websites that mimic legitimate communications with near-perfect accuracy. These scams are harder to spot because they adapt in real-time, using contextual clues to fine-tune their approach. Some AI-driven phishing tools even personalize messages based on publicly available data, increasing the odds that victims will take the bait.
Deepfake technology is also changing the game. Cybercriminals can now clone voices and create realistic video forgeries, making impersonation scams far more effective. Fraudsters have already used deepfake audio to trick employees into wiring money or granting system access. As the technology improves, businesses will have to rethink how they verify identities. Traditional security measures like voice authentication or video verification may no longer be reliable.
These AI-enhanced attacks don’t just target individuals. Large-scale campaigns can now be automated, allowing criminals to launch phishing attacks at an unprecedented scale.
Key Statistics and Incidents of 2024
Last year saw some of the most devastating ransomware attacks on record, both in scale and financial impact. The largest known ransom payment to date, $75 million, was paid to the Dark Angels group, setting a troubling precedent for future cyber extortion. The sheer size of the payout signals to cybercriminals that massive sums are still on the table, encouraging more sophisticated and aggressive attacks.
Meanwhile, the attack on Change Healthcare was one of the most disruptive in recent history, affecting 190 million Americans and grinding parts of the U.S. healthcare system to a halt. The breach left hospitals, pharmacies, and medical providers unable to process claims, forcing some to revert to paper records. The total cost of the attack is estimated at $1.15 billion, making it one of the most expensive cyber incidents ever.
These attacks underscore how ransomware continues to be the most profitable form of cybercrime. Despite efforts to crack down on major ransomware groups, the financial incentives remain too high for criminals to walk away.
Adapting Defense Strategies for 2025
As cyber threats become faster and more automated, businesses must rethink their defense strategies. Traditional security measures alone won’t cut it against AI-driven attacks. Organizations need a layered approach that combines automation, proactive threat hunting, and real-time monitoring to keep up with evolving threats.
One of the most effective ways to reduce risk is patch management. Many ransomware attacks still exploit unpatched vulnerabilities, some of them years old. Keeping software and systems up to date removes easy entry points for attackers. Yet, patching alone isn’t enough. Businesses also need robust endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems that can spot suspicious behavior, even when malware isn’t present.
Proactive threat hunting is also essential. Instead of waiting for alerts, security teams should actively search for signs of compromise. AI-powered threat detection tools can help by scanning vast amounts of data for patterns humans might miss. Combining automation with human expertise can significantly improve response times and limit the damage of an attack.
Preparing for an Autonomous Cyber Future
Agentic AI is reshaping cybersecurity. It allows defenders to detect and respond to threats faster, but it also enables attackers to scale operations with minimal effort. Organizations can’t afford to wait and see how this unfolds.
"In 2025, AI will change the way we use computers and the way we secure them, perhaps many times," Stockley says. "IT and security teams must be fast and agile, using tools that are easy to set up, configure, and automate."
Businesses that don’t adapt will be left behind. The shift toward autonomous cyber threats is happening now, and those who act today will be far better positioned to defend themselves tomorrow.
