Mobile Danger Zone: AI-Powered Attacks and Human Error Create "Perfect Storm" for Organizations

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon (NYSE: VZ) released the 2025 Mobile Security Index (Oct 22, 2025) warning that mobile devices are the primary security risk for organizations.

Key findings: 85% of organizations reported increasing mobile attacks; 75% raised mobile security spending; 93% say employees use genAI on mobile; only 17% have controls for AI-assisted attacks; 34% fear large-scale AI attacks; 38% expect AI-powered ransomware to worsen; 64% rank genAI data compromise as top mobile risk. Smishing tests showed 39% of organizations had up to half of employees click malicious links. SMBs report resource disadvantages (57%) and greater exposure (54%).

Positive

• 85% of organizations report increasing mobile attacks
• 75% of organizations increased mobile security spending last year
• 93% of employees use genAI on mobile, indicating clear focus for defenses
• Larger enterprises: 66% train employees on mobile security

Negative

• Only 17% of businesses have specific controls for AI-assisted attacks
• 64% identify genAI data compromise as the top mobile risk
• Smishing tests: 39% of organizations found up to 50% employee click rate
• 63% experienced major problems due to downtime; 50% suffered data loss

News Market Reaction

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-1.24% News Effect

On the day this news was published, VZ declined 1.24%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Oct. 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The biggest security threat for organizations today could literally be in the palm of your hand. The Verizon 2025 Mobile Security Index (MSI) reveals that mobile devices are under attack, now more than ever, with 85% of organizations reporting increasing mobile attacks. Organizations are working to close security gaps, with 75% increasing mobile security spending over the last year. However, the rise of employees utilizing genAI for work is quickly expanding the attack surface: 34% of organizations fear that more sophisticated and large-scale AI-powered attacks will significantly increase their risk, and 38% believe ransomware will become even more dangerous when powered by AI.

The genAI risk is two-fold:

1. Only 17% of businesses have specific security controls against AI-assisted attacks. This poses a critical risk as cybercriminals are using genAI to increase the volume and sophistication of their attacks.
2. Nearly all organizations (93%) report that their employees are using genAI on their mobiles in their daily work - and more than half of organizations (64%) see data compromise through genAI as their top mobile risk.
   
   

This year’s MSI shows the "perfect storm" that is currently happening: a landscape where AI-powered threats are smarter than ever, and the most common point of failure remains the human element. For example, of the 80% of organizations who conducted employee smishing tests, 39% found that up to half their employees clicked on a malicious link. It's clear that the intersection of human behavior, mobile devices, and AI-powered threats is the new epicenter of organizational risk.

"This year's Mobile Security Index is a clear wake-up call: mobile security is no longer a perimeter defense, but a battle fought in the palm of every employee’s hand. 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,” said Chris Novak, VP of Global Cybersecurity Solution, Verizon Business. “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."

How SMBs versus large companies are faring

Small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) are worried: 57% of SMBs agree that they are at a disadvantage in terms of resources, making it harder to respond to cybersecurity attacks than larger enterprises. And 54% of SMBs say they have more to lose from a security breach - and enterprises tend to agree with them.

This could be because larger enterprises are generally more proactive about implementing security controls. Larger enterprises:

• Train more employees on mobile security (66% versus only 56% of SMBs).
• Provide more comprehensive AI risk training (50% versus only 39% of SMBs).
• Implement more advanced multifactor authentication (57% versus 45% of SMBs).
  
  

Yet organizations of all sizes are being cautious as 63% of respondents experienced major problems due to downtime, a significant increase since last year, and 50% suffered data loss, the number one feared outcome.

Securing the future: adapting to an AI-security world

True resilience against escalating cyber threats stems from a unified approach to network and mobile security. As organizations navigate the increasingly severe fallout from security incidents, they are spending more on security but also taking a broader view on how to best defend themselves.

"While threats evolve, so do defenses," Novak added. "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."

Seamless integration of network and mobile security empowers businesses to innovate, collaborate, and thrive on mobile devices from anywhere, while remaining resilient to cyber threats. It's the key to proactively identify, assess, and manage the complex risks that permeate business operations, ensuring robust business continuity even amidst evolving cyber challenges and disruptions. Read the Verizon 2025 Mobile Security Index (MSI) for a comprehensive overview of the current mobile threat landscape and solutions to help better protect organizations.

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024. Verizon’s world-class team never stops innovating to meet customers where they are today and equip them for the needs of tomorrow. For more, visit verizon.com or find a retail location at verizon.com/stores.

VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

Media Contact
Sebrina Kepple
sebrina.kepple@verizon.com

FAQ

What did Verizon (VZ) report in the 2025 Mobile Security Index on Oct 22, 2025?

Verizon reported rising mobile attacks with 85% of organizations seeing increases and highlighted AI-assisted risks and low preparedness (17% have specific AI controls).

How widespread is genAI use on mobile according to Verizon MSI 2025 and what risk does it pose to VZ investors?

The MSI found 93% of organizations have employees using genAI on mobile and 64% view genAI data compromise as the top mobile risk, implying growing demand for enterprise mobile security solutions.

What mobile security gaps did Verizon (VZ) identify that could affect enterprise customers?

Key gaps include only 17% having AI-specific controls, high smishing susceptibility (up to 50% click rates), and widespread downtime/data loss (63% and 50% respectively).

How are SMBs compared to larger firms affected in Verizon's 2025 MSI (VZ)?

SMBs report being disadvantaged (57%) and having more to lose from breaches (54%); larger firms show higher training and MFA adoption.

What percentage of organizations increased mobile security spending per Verizon MSI 2025 (VZ)?

75% of organizations increased mobile security spending over the last year.

What immediate actions does Verizon (VZ) recommend to address AI-powered mobile threats?

Verizon advocates a unified network and mobile security approach, robust employee training, clear AI usage policies, and intelligent security solutions.