Verizon: AI and Human Error Fuel Security Storm

The latest Verizon 2025 Mobile Security Index (MSI) paints a stark picture of the evolving mobile threat landscape.

As artificial intelligence transforms both business operations and cybercrime, organisations face a growing storm of AI-powered attacks and human error, an intersection proving to be the most volatile risk zone in enterprise security today.

Mobile devices: The new frontline in cybersecurity

Verizon’s research reveals that 85% of organisations have experienced an increase in mobile attacks, demonstrating that mobile devices have become prime targets for cybercriminals.

In response, three-quarters of organisations have increased mobile security spending over the past year.

Yet, the investment may not be enough.

The widespread integration of Gen AI tools into everyday workflows is dramatically expanding the attack surface.

According to the report, 93% of organisations confirm that employees use Gen AI on mobile devices, while 64% cite data compromise via Gen AI as their top mobile risk.

At the same time, cybercriminals are exploiting the same technology to enhance their attack capabilities.

Only 17% of businesses have specific security controls designed to counter AI-assisted threats, leaving the vast majority dangerously exposed.

“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,” says Chris Novak, VP of Global Cybersecurity Solutions at Verizon Business.

“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,” he adds.

The human element: The weakest link

Despite advances in technology, human behaviour remains a key vulnerability.

Verizon reports that 80% of organisations have run employee smishing simulations and in nearly four in ten cases, up to half of employees clicked on malicious links.

It illustrates a fundamental challenge: as threats grow more sophisticated, the margin for error shrinks.

Organisations must therefore invest not only in advanced security tools, but also in continuous education, awareness and cultural change.

Chris says: “The rapid adoption of Gen AI is a game-changer and businesses of all sizes must rethink security measures aimed at AI-assisted attacks and support employees in leveraging technology securely.”

SMBs versus enterprises: The resource divide

While no organisation is immune, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face a particularly steep uphill battle.

Fifty-seven per cent of SMBs say they lack the resources to respond to cyberattacks effectively, while 54% believe they have more to lose from a breach than larger enterprises.

In contrast, larger organisations tend to take a more proactive stance.

Even so, no business is exempt from disruption.

The report shows that 63% of organisations suffered significant operational downtime and half experienced data loss, the most feared consequence of cyber incidents.

Building resilience in an AI-driven threat landscape

The path to security resilience lies in a unified approach to mobile and network protection.

As cyber threats grow in scale and sophistication, organisations are recognising the need to align technology, process and people under a comprehensive security strategy.

“While threats evolve, so do defences,” Chris noted. “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.”

For telcos and enterprise networks, seamless integration between mobile and network security frameworks enables innovation without compromise.

The alignment helps organisations identify, assess and mitigate complex risks, safeguarding business continuity even as digital ecosystems evolve.

Verizon’s 2025 MSI highlights that defending against AI-powered attacks requires agility, vigilance and collaboration.

For many businesses, the greatest danger now fits in a pocket, but so does the opportunity to redefine security for the AI era.