Global Threat Report Highlights Growth in Malware-Free Attacks, AI-Driven Deception, and Insider Threats
Cybersecurity leader CrowdStrike has released its 2025 Global Threat Report, revealing a 150% increase in China-linked cyber espionage and a 442% rise in AI-powered voice phishing (vishing) attacks. The report highlights the growing weaponization of GenAI-driven deception, cloud-based threats, and insider attacks by adversaries worldwide.
“China’s aggressive cyber espionage and AI-driven attacks are redefining the global threat landscape.”
– Adam Meyers, Head of Counter Adversary Operations, CrowdStrike
According to the report, 79% of attacks used malware-free techniques, leveraging stolen credentials to infiltrate networks undetected. Meanwhile, North Korean adversaries escalated insider threats, with 40% of their operations involving employment-based infiltration.
“China’s aggressive cyber espionage, combined with the rapid weaponization of AI, is forcing organizations to rethink security strategies,” said Adam Meyers, Head of Counter Adversary Operations at CrowdStrike. “Adversaries are exploiting identity gaps, using social engineering, and bypassing traditional defenses. Stopping breaches requires real-time intelligence and proactive threat hunting.”
