This past week has been a stark reminder that cybercriminals are evolving faster than most organizations can adapt. The trends we’ve tracked indicate a significant shift in attacker methodologies, particularly in how they gain access, maintain persistence, and extort victims.

Cybercriminals no longer need to write complex malware or exploit software vulnerabilities to breach an organization. They have found an easier, faster, and more effective way in—by targeting people. Social engineering has evolved from generic phishing emails to sophisticated, AI-driven deception tactics that can manipulate even the most security-conscious employees.

Cybercriminals are moving at speeds that most organizations are not equipped to handle. Last year, the average breakout time—the time it takes for an attacker to move laterally within a compromised network—dropped to 48 minutes. In the fastest observed case, it took just 51 seconds. That means by the time a security alert is triggered, the attacker could have already escalated privileges, exfiltrated data, and established persistence.

Artificial intelligence is not just a tool for businesses looking to optimize workflows and automate processes. It has also become a weapon for cybercriminals who are using AI to scale their attacks, evade detection, and manipulate targets with unprecedented precision. The organizations that fail to recognize this shift will be left defenseless against an adversary that is getting smarter, faster, and more efficient.

Cybercrime is no longer a niche problem or a side hustle for opportunistic hackers. It is a multi-billion-dollar industry with structured operations, specialized roles, and global reach. Criminal organizations have evolved into enterprise-grade operations, complete with research and development teams, strategic partnerships, and aggressive expansion plans. The modern cybercriminal doesn’t just hack into systems; they build scalable business models designed for efficiency, automation, and maximum return on investment.