2025 Threat Intelligence Index: Dark Web, AI, & Ransomware Trends

Summary

The IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index reveals the latest cybersecurity trends, highlighting both progress and ongoing risks. Ransomware and phishing attacks are declining, and persistent malware is less prevalent due to improved security tools. However, credential theft and info-stealer attacks are rising, and vulnerabilities discussed on the dark web remain a serious threat. Emerging AI applications introduce a new attack surface, with early signs of exploitation. The report emphasizes proactive defenses, including multi-factor authentication, passkeys, centralized data and identity management, and securing AI systems. Staying informed and implementing these measures empowers organizations to better protect themselves against evolving cyber threats.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ransomware attacks are down for the third year in a row, with a 35% reduction in ransom payments.
• 😀 Phishing attacks are also down by 50%, marking a positive trend in preventing data breaches.
• 😀 Cybersecurity tools, like EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response), are helping reduce the prevalence of persistent malware.
• 😀 Credential theft remains a significant concern, accounting for 30% of system breaches.
• 😀 Info stealers have increased by 84%, targeting sensitive data like credentials, credit card numbers, and personal information.
• 😀 The dark web continues to be a hub for discussing vulnerabilities, many of which have publicly available exploits.
• 😀 ‘Access as a service’ is a growing threat, with services enabling attackers to exploit stolen credentials or gain unauthorized access.
• 😀 AI is emerging as a new attack surface, with attacks likely to increase as AI technologies move into production.
• 😀 AI-related breaches have already exposed sensitive records, highlighting the importance of securing AI systems.
• 😀 Ransomware-as-a-service providers are complicating the landscape, as seen in the large-scale breach of medical data affecting 100 million users.
• 😀 To protect against threats, organizations should implement multi-factor authentication, use passkeys, and centralize data and identity management.
• 😀 Data sprawl and AI shadow implementations create new vulnerabilities, requiring better management and security tools.
• 😀 The future of AI security lies in securing the entire AI development pipeline: data, models, and usage.
• 😀 Securing your IT infrastructure remains foundational to combating the rising threat of cyberattacks.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of the IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index Report?

The primary purpose of the report is to provide insights into cybersecurity trends, hacker tactics, and real-world incidents. It helps organizations understand emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and defensive strategies based on the latest research from the dark web and incident response scenarios.

How has ransomware activity changed in recent years?

Ransomware attacks have decreased for three consecutive years, with ransom payments down by 35%. This reduction is partly due to successful law enforcement interventions that have disrupted major ransomware operations.

What shift in ransomware tactics have researchers observed?

Instead of solely encrypting data and demanding payment for its release, ransomware attackers are now more likely to steal data and threaten to publish it unless a ransom is paid. They may also exploit the stolen data for personal use.

How have phishing attacks evolved in recent years?

Phishing attacks have decreased by 50%, which is a positive trend as phishing has been a major cause of data breaches. However, other forms of attack, like infostealers, have emerged as new threats.

What is an 'infostealer' and how does it affect cybersecurity?

An infostealer is malicious software that targets and collects sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and personal details. Infostealers have increased by 84% and pose a significant risk to individuals and organizations.

What is the connection between the dark web and cybersecurity threats?

The dark web is a major platform for cybercriminals to discuss and trade exploits, tools, and stolen data. Researchers found that all top 10 vulnerabilities discussed on the dark web had publicly available exploits, highlighting the real and present danger of these threats.

What is 'ransomware as a service' and how does it work?

Ransomware as a service (RaaS) is a model where a provider creates and manages ransomware tools, and affiliates use them to launch attacks. In one case, a medical data breach occurred where the affiliate paid a ransom, but the provider took the full ransom payment, leaving the attacker without compensation.

How does credential theft contribute to security breaches?

Credential theft is the leading entry point for cybercriminals, accounting for 30% of breaches. Attackers can steal usernames and passwords, giving them unauthorized access to systems and allowing them to impersonate legitimate users.

What are the key recommendations to defend against cyber threats?

Key recommendations include using multi-factor authentication (MFA), adopting passkeys instead of passwords, centralizing data and identity management, securing AI environments, and staying updated on security advisories and software patches.

What role does artificial intelligence (AI) play in future cybersecurity risks?

AI presents a new attack surface as it becomes more widely adopted in production environments. The report highlights the need to secure AI data, models, and usage pipelines, as AI can become a target for attackers once it reaches a critical adoption point.