Key facts
- AI-powered defenses enable faster resolution of phishing incidents.
- AI-generated attacks increase the overall cost of phishing.
- Gains in attack volume, speed, and evasiveness outpace defender efficiency.
A new research report titled "The (Higher) Business Cost of Phishing" by Osterman Research, commissioned by IRONSCALES, reveals an AI paradox in email security. While AI-powered defenses have improved the speed at which security teams can resolve phishing email incidents, the overall financial impact of phishing on organizations has increased. This is because the advancements in AI-generated attacks, leading to higher volume, increased speed, and greater evasiveness, have outpaced the efficiency gains made by defenders. The report measures both the financial and operational effects of these evolving phishing tactics.