The Verizon 2025 Mobile Security Index (MSI) underscores the urgent need to address the expanding attack surface in organisations , driven by AI-powered attacks and human error. It reveals that 85% of organisations report increased mobile attacks and 75% report increased mobile security spending over the last year.
Furthermore, 34% of organisations are deeply concerned about the potential for more sophisticated, large-scale AI-powered attacks, with 38% believing that AI-powered ransomware could escalate the threat to unprecedented levels.
"This year's Mobile Security Index is a clear wake-up call: mobile security is no longer a perimeter defence, but a battle fought in the palm of every employee's hand. We talk about the perfect storm: with the rise of AI, we're witnessing a Category 5 hurricane in mobile security, where AI is the wind - and human error is the open window," said Chris Novak, VP of Global Cybersecurity Solution, Verizon Business.
GenAI risk
Novak emphasised: "The rapid adoption of gen AI is a game-changer, and businesses of all sizes must urgently adapt their security measures to counter AI-assisted attacks and support employees in using technology securely."
The report has revealed that 17% of businesses have specific security controls against AI-assisted attacks. Almost all (93%) report that their employees use genAI on their mobile devices, and 64% see data compromise through genAI as their top mobile risk.
Of the 80% of organisations that conducted employee smishing tests, 39% found that up to half their employees clicked on a malicious link.
"While threats evolve, so do defences," Novak added. "A proactive and multi-layered approach to mobile security is no longer just a best practice; it's a business imperative. This includes robust employee training, clear AI usage policies, and intelligent security solutions."
