Cybercriminals shift to subtle identity theft
Briefly

In 2024, cybercriminals have exhibited a notable shift in tactics, with a significant focus on the targeted theft of login details. According to the IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2025, instances of emails distributing info stealers surged by 84%, while ransomware attacks decreased. In nearly half of all cyber attacks, data or login information was stolen, with a particular emphasis on exploiting known vulnerabilities within critical infrastructure. The rising trend of automated phishing attacks, potentially enhanced by AI, points to a troubling future for cybersecurity, necessitating improved monitoring and response strategies.
Cybercriminals are focusing more on stealing login details, with an 84% increase in info stealers compared to previous years, despite a decline in ransomware attacks.
IBM X-Force's 2025 index indicates that in almost half of cyber attacks, login or data information was stolen, demonstrating a shift towards subtle attack techniques.
The shift indicates that cybercriminals now prefer stealing data over encrypting it, often exploiting known vulnerabilities due to slow patch cycles in critical infrastructure.
The alarming rise in automated attacks, especially in phishing practices, likely stems from cybercriminals leveraging AI for large-scale operations, making identity attacks more accessible.
Read at Techzine Global
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