AI-backed cyber attacks on Vienna businesses: one in seven successful
At the start of the year, one in seven cyber attacks on Vienna companies hit their mark. Artificial intelligence and spies within the workforce are escalating the threat situation, according to a new report.
Vienna businesses under digital fire – AI makes attackers more efficient
One in seven cyber attack on Vienna businesses was successful at the start of the year – this emerges from a new security report, details and assessments of which were first published by Kronen Zeitung.
Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing attack methods: criminals operate faster, at significantly lower costs and with fewer inhibitions than before. The frequency of attacks is rising, the barriers to entry are falling.
Added to this is a threat from within the ranks. Spies within the workforce are considered a growing risk for Vienna businesses according to the report.
Prepared USB stick is enough
WKW division head Martin Heimhilcher describes a concrete attack scenario: a USB stick lies in the entrance area of a business, labelled "Salaries 2026". An inquisitive employee plugs it into the company computer. "That shuts the place down," says Heimhilcher. The method is simple – and apparently effective, as exactly such incidents are currently accumulating in Vienna.
"Shotgun" in digital space
The picture that the new report paints is concerning, according to Kronen Zeitung. Attackers no longer rely on targeted individual attacks, but on widely distributed campaigns – a digital "shotgun" designed to hit as many targets as possible simultaneously. AI tools make it possible to automate such attacks and roll them out to many businesses in a short time.
Further details of the report are to be published in full shortly.
Source: Kronen Zeitung