INTERPOL warns of the rise in phishing, ransomware and AI scams

INTERPOL has published its Cyber Threat Assessment Report for Asia and the South Pacific 2025/2026, warning of an accelerated growth in cybercrime. The most striking figure is that, in more than half of the countries surveyed, cybercrime already accounts for around 30% of all recorded crimes. Phishing has become the most widespread and costly threat: a third of countries reported more than 10,000 cases, and on average 5.5 out of every 1,000 people clicked on fraudulent links each month, roughly double the global average.

The report also puts figures on ransomware, with more than 135,000 attacks recorded in 2024 that hit sectors such as real estate, industry and financial services particularly hard. But the most worrying thing is the growing role of artificial intelligence: conversations about deepfakes on criminal forums soared, and criminal groups already use fake videos and voices to impersonate executives. Although the study focuses on Asia-Pacific, the same techniques already affect businesses and individuals in Spain, so it is worth taking note before the problem knocks on our door.