Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we work – from productivity tools like CoPilot and ChatGPT to image generators like Midjourney. But while AI can drive innovation and efficiency, it also gives cybercriminals new weapons. One of the most dangerous? AI-powered ransomware.
The recent alleged ransomware attack on Jaguar Land Rover, which halted global production and caused losses estimated at tens of millions per week, highlights why businesses must prioritise robust cyber protection to avoid similar devastating disruption.
Download our guide, Ransomware in the Age of AI, that explores how cybercriminals are using AI to supercharge attacks, and what businesses can do to stay protected.
Why AI Makes Ransomware More Dangerous
Traditionally, phishing emails were riddled with poor grammar or suspicious links that made them easier to spot. Today, cybercriminals use AI tools to create flawless, convincing messages – in any language. AI can also:
- Launch phishing, voice phishing (vishing), and SMS phishing (smishing) attacks at scale.
- Automate network and application attacks.
- Optimise ransomware negotiations to extract the highest payout.
In short: AI has lowered the barriers to entry, making ransomware cheaper, faster, and harder to detect.
The Scale of the Threat in 2025
The numbers show how serious the risk has become:
- 73% of organisations experienced a successful ransomware attack in 2022, with 38% hit multiple times.
- In 2025, email remains the #1 attack vector. A staggering 1 in 4 emails is now either malicious or unwanted spam.
- 20% of companies suffer at least one account takeover (ATO) every month, allowing attackers to steal data and spread phishing internally.
- Cybercriminals are weaponising attachments: nearly 23% of HTML files and 83% of malicious Microsoft 365 documents now hide QR codes leading to phishing sites.
- More than three-quarters of businesses are not actively preventing spoofed emails because they lack proper DMARC policies – leaving the door wide open for impersonation and Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks.
For small and medium-sized enterprises, the consequences can be devastating. Limited IT resources and weaker security make them prime targets, and a single breach can lead to financial loss, regulatory penalties, reputational damage – or even closure.
How Businesses Can Defend Themselves
SCG Midlands recommends businesses follow a simple 1-2-3 protection strategy to combat AI-powered ransomware:
- Protect your email – Deploy advanced email security, enable DMARC enforcement, run phishing simulations, and provide ongoing Security Awareness Training (SAT).
- Secure your network and applications – Adopt Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), segment your network, and safeguard endpoints with layered protection.
- Back up your data – Keep immutable, off-site, air-gapped backups that can’t be tampered with, ensuring fast recovery without paying a ransom.
At the same time, businesses should look to AI-powered defence tools:
- AI-driven monitoring that flags unusual login activity or file access.
- AI-enhanced Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) that adapts to user behaviour.
- Automated incident response that can clean up compromised inboxes in seconds.
Download the Free Guide
The full eBook, Ransomware in the Age of AI, dives deeper into:
- How ransomware is evolving with AI.
- The latest statistics on ransomware and email-based attacks.
- Practical steps to defend your business.
- How AI can be used as part of your defence strategy.
Final Word
Cybercriminals are adapting fast, and businesses can’t afford to fall behind. As the saying goes: “fail to prepare, prepare to fail.”
Start protecting your organisation today with SCG Midlands’ expert insights and solutions.
