Smishing stories

Norton launches Genie scam assistant in ChatGPT, letting users tag @Norton to analyse emails, texts, images and links for fraud risks.

Ransomware cases dipped 17% in January, but NCC warns the threat remains high as Qilin targets critical sectors and tactics evolve.

Global ransomware attacks fell 17% in January, but NCC warns evolving tactics, AI and messaging apps mean risk is not receding.

ShinyHunters shifts to subdomain-brand phishing and vishing on mobiles, bypassing domain checks to hijack SSO logins and SaaS sessions.

Ecommpay launches a free fraud guide for online retailers as UK payment fraud hits GBP £1.17 billion and AI-driven scams rapidly escalate.

Avast rolls out Deepfake Guard for Windows and expands Scam Guardian on mobile, promising real-time protection from AI-powered scams.

Daon warns viral ChatGPT caricature craze is handing fraudsters a richer dossier of personal data to fuel scams and social engineering.

Cyber experts warn Valentine's Day brings a surge in romance and shopping scams, urging users to be wary of links, apps and payment requests.

Avast rolls out Deepfake Guard for Windows and takes Scam Guardian global on mobile in a push to combat rising video-led fraud.

Gen Z click on phishing links nearly three times more than Baby Boomers, despite heavier use of multi-factor authentication, Yubico finds.

KnowBe4 marks a decade of its AIDA security AI, now running seven agents for 70,000 clients, and appoints Harlan Parrott VP of AI Innovation.

AI-fuelled automation drove a 70% surge in weekly cyber attacks in 2025, with nearly 2,000 incidents per organisation, Check Point warns.

McAfee boosts its Scam Detector with instant QR checks and smarter message scanning to counter a surge in personal, AI-powered frauds.

Microsoft again tops global phishing brand list as attackers increasingly mimic big tech services to steal cloud and consumer credentials.

AI-powered 'Truman Show' scam uses OPCOPRO app and fake trading rooms in official stores to steal cash and victims' digital identities.

Softonic issues festive-season guide warning of rising scams in fake shops, apps and delivery messages as online bargain hunting surges.

UTS has developed CASPER AI, an assistant using AI to detect cyber threats and guide users and organisations in secure, compliant responses.

Kiwis face a surge in SMS scams this holiday season, with fraudsters targeting bank details through fake delivery alerts and urgent messages.

Verizon's Mobile Security Index reveals a surge in AI-driven mobile threats and human error, reshaping global organisational security risks in 2025.

Generative AI boosts phishing and smishing attacks, forcing businesses to rethink security as AI-driven threats outpace traditional defences and SOC teams.