Hackers are getting a serious upgrade, thanks to AI. By 2027, AI-powered cyberattacks could cut the time it takes to hijack your online accounts in half. Yep, you read that right—50% faster account takeovers. That’s according to a new report from Gartner.

 

Why Are Accounts So Easy to Hack?

Gartner’s VP Analyst, Jeremy D’Hoinne, explains that weak passwords remain one of the biggest problems. Attackers scoop up stolen credentials from data breaches, phishing scams, or malware, then use bots to try those logins across multiple sites. If you’ve reused your password (which, let’s be real, most people do), it’s like handing hackers a key to your digital life. While many sites and apps are now setting more requirements on user passwords, changing one letter or number on your password to get around it is sadly not the way to go.

 

Deepfake AI Is the Next Big Threat

It’s not just passwords at risk. AI-driven social engineering is becoming a major problem, with deepfake audio and video scams on the rise. By 2028, Gartner predicts that 40% of social engineering attacks will target both executives and everyday employees alike.

While deepfake-related fraud is still relatively rare, the cases that have happened have been costly. It’s a wake-up call for companies to tighten security and educate employees on spotting AI-powered scams.

 

How to Stay Safe

The takeaway? AI is making cybercrime more sophisticated, but there are ways to fight back:

• Improve your passwords – It’s annoying, we know, but it has to be done.
• Enable strong MFA – Choose authentication methods that resist phishing.
• Stay informed – Companies should train employees on AI-powered threats like deepfake scams.

 

The more we stay aware, the harder we make it for them to win.

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