AI-Driven Phishing Scams Surge 21.5% in the Middle East, Kaspersky Warns

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Cybersecurity company Kaspersky has sounded the alarm over a sharp rise in phishing scams in the Middle East, reporting a 21.5% jump in attempts in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the first. Globally, the company blocked more than 142 million clicks on malicious links in the same period.

Phishing — the practice of tricking people into giving away personal or financial information — is undergoing a dangerous transformation, powered by artificial intelligence and stealthier tactics. Criminals are now using deepfake videos, voice cloning, and trusted online platforms to steal sensitive details, including biometric data and electronic or handwritten signatures.

Smarter, more convincing scams
Thanks to AI, phishing messages are becoming far harder to spot. Large language models allow scammers to create flawless, professional-looking emails, fake websites, and chat messages that look like they come from real companies, banks, or even friends.

Some scams involve AI-powered bots that impersonate real people on social media and messaging apps. These bots patiently chat with victims for days or weeks, often using AI-generated voices or deepfake videos to win trust — whether for fake romantic relationships, bogus investment deals, or fraudulent giveaways.

Exploiting trusted tools
Attackers are also hiding behind legitimate online services to avoid detection. Kaspersky notes that Telegram’s Telegraph publishing tool is being misused to host phishing content, while Google Translate’s web translation links are used to disguise malicious websites, making them harder for security filters to block.

Kaspersky warns that these AI-enhanced scams are not only more convincing but also more targeted, using personal information gathered from social media or corporate sites to tailor attacks. The company urges both individuals and businesses to be extra cautious and verify any suspicious requests for personal or financial details — no matter how genuine they may appear.