AI-Driven Phishing Surges 82.8% in Karnataka

Published Date : 26/06/2025 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) played a significant role in 82.8% of phishing email scams in Karnataka, as cybercrime incidents saw a dramatic rise, particularly in rural areas. 

BENGALURU: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a significant driving force behind phishing email scams, accounting for approximately 82.8% of all such incidents in Karnataka. This alarming trend is highlighted in the ‘State of AI-Powered Cybercrime Threat and Mitigation Report 2025’, jointly published by the Global Initiative for Restructuring Environment and Management (GIREM) and automotive retail tech firm Tekion. The report was unveiled by Director General and Inspector General of Police MA Saleem, shedding light on the increasing sophistication of cybercriminal activities and offering strategies for mitigation.

According to the report, AI has become an indispensable tool in the hands of cybercriminals. The findings from KnowBe4’s 2025 Phishing Threat Trends Report indicate that AI tools were used in about 82.6% of phishing emails in India in 2024, making AI a driving force in nearly 8 out of every 10 phishing campaigns. India has also emerged as the second-most targeted nation for cryptocurrency-related cyberattacks, with 95 reported incidents, second only to the United States.

The country has witnessed year-on-year increases in various types of cyberattacks. Malware incidents rose by 11%, ransomware by 22%, Internet of Things (IoT) attacks by 59%, and there was an alarming 409% spike in crypto-related cyberattacks. These figures underscore the growing threat landscape and the need for robust countermeasures.

Geographically, the rise in cybercrime is particularly pronounced in certain regions. Bengaluru, the tech hub of Karnataka, recorded a 77% increase in cybercrime cases, rising from 9,940 in 2022 to 17,623 in 2023. Rural Karnataka saw a near doubling of cases, from 880 in 2022 to 1,600 in 2024. For the first time, tribal areas reported cybercrime incidents, with 12 cases in 2024 compared to none in 2022. This expansion of cybercrime into previously untouched areas highlights the far-reaching impact of these threats.

The report also sheds light on the phenomenon of “cyber slavery,” a form of modern human trafficking where victims are forced to conduct cybercrimes such as phishing and online scams. These operations often take place in lawless regions like Cambodia and Myanmar, with tens of thousands of victims, including Indians, believed to be trapped in such operations.

To combat these rising threats, the report recommends a multi-pronged strategy. Key recommendations include promoting digital literacy in schools, improving cybercrime investigation training for police, mandating cybersecurity education in workplaces, setting up cybersecurity labs in educational institutions, and developing AI-based threat detection systems. Strengthening the monitoring of cyber terrorism is also emphasized as a critical step in safeguarding against future attacks.

The Global Initiative for Restructuring Environment and Management (GIREM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing environmental and management challenges through innovative solutions. Tekion, an automotive retail tech firm, collaborates with GIREM to leverage technology for societal benefit, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. Together, they aim to create a safer digital environment for all. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What percentage of phishing email scams in Karnataka involved AI?

A: Approximately 82.8% of phishing email scams in Karnataka involved AI, according to the ‘State of AI-Powered Cybercrime Threat and Mitigation Report 2025’.

Q: How much did cybercrime cases increase in Bengaluru from 2022 to 2023?

A: Cybercrime cases in Bengaluru increased by 77%, from 9,940 in 2022 to 17,623 in 2023.

Q: What is ‘cyber slavery’ and where does it occur?

A: ‘Cyber slavery’ is a form of modern human trafficking where victims are forced to conduct cybercrimes such as phishing and online scams. These operations often take place in lawless regions like Cambodia and Myanmar.

Q: What are the key recommendations in the report to combat cybercrime?

A: The report recommends promoting digital literacy in schools, improving cybercrime investigation training for police, mandating cybersecurity education in workplaces, setting up cybersecurity labs in educational institutions, and developing AI-based threat detection systems.

Q: What is the role of GIREM and Tekion in this report?

A: GIREM and Tekion jointly published the ‘State of AI-Powered Cybercrime Threat and Mitigation Report 2025’. GIREM is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing environmental and management challenges, while Tekion is an automotive retail tech firm that leverages technology for societal benefit, particularly in cybersecurity. 

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