AI-driven scams dominate malicious email campaigns
More than four in five malicious emails now use generative AI, making scam messages harder to spot.
The Catalan Cybersecurity Agency has warned that generative AI is now being used in the vast majority of email scams containing malicious links. Its Cybersecurity Outlook Report for 2026 found that more than 80% of such messages rely on AI-generated content.
The report shows that 82.6% of emails carrying malicious links include text, video, or voice produced using AI tools, making fraudulent messages increasingly difficult to identify. Scammers use AI to create near-flawless messages that closely mimic legitimate communications.
Agency director Laura Caballero said the sophistication of AI-generated scams means users face greater risks, while businesses and platforms are turning to AI-based defences to counter the threat.
She urged a ‘technology against technology’ approach, combined with stronger public awareness and basic security practices such as two-factor authentication.
Cyber incidents are also rising. The agency handled 3,372 cases in 2024, a 26% increase year on year, mostly involving credential leaks and unauthorised email access.
In response, the Catalan government has launched a new cybersecurity strategy backed by a €18.6 million investment to protect critical public services.
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