How AI is Reshaping the Cyber Threat Landscape
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the cyber security landscape, turning familiar threats into more sophisticated, elusive, and damaging attacks. Once a force for innovation, AI is now a double-edged sword — offering powerful tools for protection while simultaneously arming cyber criminals with unprecedented capabilities. As phishing emails become almost indistinguishable from legitimate messages, and deepfakes blur the line between real and fake, traditional defences are falling behind. The speed at which AI can be used to exploit vulnerabilities is changing the rules of engagement in cyber space, demanding swift action and regulation. Without coordinated efforts to adapt and educate, Canada — and the world — risk falling dangerously off track.
The rise of AI-driven threats
Cyber criminals are leveraging AI to launch increasingly complex and harder-to-detect attacks. In just the first quarter of 2025, organizations faced an average of 1,925 attacks per week, marking a 47% increase from the same period last year. This increase is closely tied to the growing influence of AI in driving these attacks. According to Check Point's 2025 AI Security Report, generative AI allows for realistic phishing emails, synthetic voice or video impersonations, and large-scale automated attacks. Additionally, AI scam calls are on the rise, with fraudsters imitating the voices and appearances of loved ones to extort money. Security experts warn that these schemes are becoming more sophisticated, convincing, and alarmingly common.
These tactics are part of a broader problem where cyber criminals exploit AI to manipulate trust on a massive scale. From circulating fake news to capitalizing on high-profile events such as the recent Canadian election or the Pope's death, attackers craft disinformation designed to influence and deceive. By embedding false narratives into clickable links, they trick individuals into handing over sensitive information or making payments. The rise of deepfake technology has only exacerbated the issue, making it more challenging than ever to distinguish fact from fiction, and raising serious concerns about the impact on public opinion and democratic processes.
Why Canada is at risk
Canada's increasing digital reliance, combined with limited cyber security resources, leaves the country vulnerable. Without stronger defences and coordinated action, AI-driven threats could seriously erode public trust, financial systems, and national security — and Canadians will increasingly feel the impact of cyber incidents that have cascading and disruptive effects on their daily lives.
In 2024 alone, Canadians reported losing $642 million to fraud, with the majority of these losses stemming from cyber-enabled crimes, highlighting just how devastating online threats have become. According to Check Point's most recent Threat Intelligence Report, 57% of malicious files in Canada were delivered via web this past May.
In another example of the growing sophistication of attacks, over 6,000 people in the UK and Canada recently lost $35 million to a cryptocurrency scam driven by AI-powered tactics. Making matters worse, recovery scams, which prey on victims by promising to recover lost funds for an upfront fee, have more than doubled recently — deepening the financial damage to already vulnerable individuals. Because many incidents go unreported, the true scope of these threats is likely far greater, making it clear that we urgently need stronger cyber security measures and greater public awareness.
Evolving Defences in an AI-Powered World
To combat AI-driven threats, it is essential for organizations to integrate AI into their cyber security strategies. AI-based detection systems are increasingly effective at identifying threats by recognizing subtle inconsistencies, whether in suspicious emails, unusual data patterns, or manipulated media. Enhancing identity verification is essential, with multi-layered methods like biometric authentication serving as a vital defence against impersonation attempts.
However, technology is only part of the solution. Human awareness and vigilance remain critical. As AI-enabled scams grow more sophisticated, so does the need for caution. If something seems unusual or out of place, individuals should take a moment to verify names, logos, or sources — it can make all the difference in staying safe. Likewise, as cyber criminals get bolder and more aggressive, it's more important than ever to stay informed about evolving threats through reading, research, and open dialogue, to help build resilience against deception.
Although Canada faces cyber vulnerabilities and an ever-changing threat landscape, the impact and severity of these threats can be reduced through increased awareness and the adoption of cybersecurity best practices by individuals and organizations alike. By combining advanced tools with informed decision-making, together, we can develop stronger, more adaptive cyber security habits.
