The cyber threats you don’t see: How AI can protect networks in real time

Cyberattacks aren’t just becoming more frequent, they’re getting smarter. Every day, millions of phishing links, malware downloads, and scam attempts are launched, most of them never seen before. Traditional security tools like firewalls and antivirus software weren’t built to handle this scale or sophistication.

For years, cybersecurity has been reactive – detecting threats after they’ve already caused harm. But in today’s landscape, that’s not good enough. The real question is: how do we stop cyber threats before they even reach the user?

The scale of the problem

Cyber threats don’t just affect individuals – they consume network resources, increase operational costs, and erode user trust. Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:

• Malicious traffic is everywhere – Nearly 7% of all global internet traffic is linked to cyber threats, including botnets, phishing scams, and malware.
• Phishing scams are relentless – A single ISP deployment over the first 30 days blocked 953,015 cyber threats for just 200 initial users. That’s 31,767 threats per day, all attempting to steal data, install malware, or hijack accounts.
• The cost of cybercrime is skyrocketing – Global cybercrime is projected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, with businesses and consumers absorbing the financial damage.

For telecom providers, these threats aren’t just a cybersecurity issue – they’re an operational and business challenge. Malicious traffic clogs networks, increases infrastructure costs, and floods call centres with fraud complaints.

Why traditional security is falling short

For decades, cybersecurity relied on a known-threat model. That meant identifying threats based on past attacks – if a virus or scam had been seen before, it could be blocked. But cybercriminals have adapted:

• Malware and phishing scams constantly evolve – Attackers now use AI to generate unique phishing links in real time, bypassing static security filters.
• Zero-day threats are increasing – These are vulnerabilities that haven’t been patched or even discovered yet. In 2023, a record 1,000+ zero-day exploits were detected.
• Cyberattacks move faster than human response – A ransomware attack can encrypt an entire system in less than 45 minutes, leaving no time for manual intervention.

This is why AI-driven security is becoming the standard. Instead of reacting to known threats, AI detects and predicts attacks before they happen.

How AI is changing the game

AI-powered cybersecurity doesn’t rely on a database of known threats. Instead, it works by identifying patterns, anomalies, and suspicious behaviours in real time. Here’s what makes it different:

It detects threats before they reach the user

• AI scans vast amounts of network data and identifies suspicious activity as it happens – whether it’s an unusual login attempt, an unfamiliar data transfer, or a phishing attempt with AI-generated text.
• This means phishing scams and malware can be blocked at the network level, never even reaching the subscriber’s inbox or device.

It adapts to new threats instantly

• Unlike traditional security, AI doesn’t need a database of known attacks. It learns from patterns, so even if a phishing scam or malware strain has never been seen before, AI can spot the indicators and shut it down.
• This is especially crucial as cybercriminals use automation to create one-time-use scam links, which evade traditional security measures.

It reduces network strain and support costs

• AI-driven security doesn’t just protect users – it prevents malicious traffic from consuming network resources. This reduces unnecessary data use, optimises network performance, and lowers infrastructure costs.
• Fewer successful cyberattacks also mean fewer fraud-related customer support calls, reducing operational expenses for ISPs and mobile operators.

What this means for consumers and businesses

For end users, AI-driven security means fewer scams, less risk, and a safer online experience. They don’t have to second-guess every email, worry about hidden malware, or deal with the fallout of fraud.

For businesses, especially ISPs and mobile operators, it’s about network efficiency and customer trust. Cybersecurity isn’t just an add-on – it’s a way to improve service quality, reduce costs, and build long-term customer loyalty.

The bottom line? AI-driven cybersecurity isn’t the future – it’s the present. The threats are already here, evolving faster than ever. The question is whether businesses are ready to evolve with them.

Sources:

Malicious traffic statistics

Nearly 6.5% of global internet traffic is linked to malicious activity, including botnets, phishing scams, and malware.

• Source: LinkedIn, Week 65: Global Internet Traffic Flagged as Malicious
• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-65-global-internet-traffic-flagged-malicious-infosec-k2k-vegzc

ISP cyber threat blocking case study

A single ISP deployment blocked 953,015 cyber threats in one month for just 200 users, equating to 31,767 threats per person.

• Source: Internal BlackDice research (case study)

Global cybercrime cost projections

Cybercrime is projected to cost $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, affecting businesses and consumers worldwide.

• Source: Cybersecurity Ventures, Hackerpocalypse Cybercrime Report
• https://cybersecurityventures.com/hackerpocalypse-cybercrime-report-2016/

Zero-day exploit statistics

Over 1,000+ zero-day vulnerabilities were detected in 2023, highlighting the rising risk of previously unknown threats.

• Source: Mandiant, M-Trends 2023 Report
• https://www.mandiant.com/resources/m-trends-2023

Speed of ransomware encryption

Ransomware can encrypt entire systems in less than 45 minutes, making real-time security critical.

• Source: Sophos, State of Ransomware 2023 Report
• https://www.sophos.com/en-us/content/state-of-ransomware