Smarter Scams, Higher Stakes: Why AI-Powered Deception Is a Growing Threat for Small Businesses

Guest Blog by Norton LifeLock Benefit Solutions

In today’s digital workplace, scams have evolved far beyond the outdated image of a poorly written phishing email. With the rise of generative AI, cybercriminals are now launching hyper personalized, emotionally manipulative attacks that can be nearly indistinguishable from legitimate messages.

The result? A massive surge in scam-related incidents, impacting not just individuals, but also the businesses they work for.

The New Age of Scams

A scam is no longer just a nuisance; it’s a form of social engineering designed to trick individuals into handing over sensitive data, credentials or funds. And they’re working.

In 2024 alone, scam losses reached a record-breaking $16.6 billion, according to the FBI, outpacing viruses and malware. These aren’t just attacks on personal privacy; they’re breaches that can open the door to companywide compromises.

What makes these scams more dangerous is their delivery. Criminals now use AI to replicate voices, create convincing fake emails and deceptive websites, all tailored to fool even the most tech-savvy employees.

Check out the first quarter 2025 Gen Threat Report that shows how fast cyberthreats are evolving and why it’s critical we stay one step ahead.

Q1 2025 trends reveal:

• 3.8 million stolen in deep-fake led CyrptoCore campaign
• Spike of +186% in breached records
• 17x increase in fake software updates

Why It Matters for SMBs

For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the impact of just one employee falling for a scam can be significant. Whether it’s a misdirected payment from a fake invoice or a compromised credential that leads to a ransomware event, the ripple effects are real.

And with many employees using personal devices for work, especially in remote and hybrid environments, small businesses face a growing risk that traditional cybersecurity tools alone can’t address.

Smarter Scams Need Smarter Protection

Protecting your SMB clients requires more than basic phishing tools. A robust approach combines advanced antivirus software, advanced AI and real-time scam support.

SMBs need a solution that works across text messages, phone calls, emails and websites to help stop scams before they reach employees.

Empowering Employees Against Today’s Top Cyber Threat

As AI continues to reshape the landscape of digital risk, one thing is clear: Scam protection is no longer optional. It’s essential. And for your SMB clients, addressing it now could mean avoiding a crisis tomorrow.

Norton LifeLock Benefit Solutions helps small businesses protect against scams.

Norton’s Genie AI-driven scam detection is designed to help your clients navigate the increasingly complex AI-powered world of cybercrimes. Discover how Genie redefines digital safety for your clients.

Learn more: prismhr.com/marketplace/norton-lifelock/

Norton LifeLock Benefit Solutions

We at Norton LifeLock Benefit Solutions, now a part of Gen, believe everyone around the world deserves a clear and easy way to live their digital lives safely, privately, and confidently. More than 500 million users globally trust Norton, LifeLock, and the rest of our family of consumer brands. Through our innovative and comprehensive benefit plans, we bring you leading technology solutions in cybersecurity, privacy, and identity protection. Our combined heritage is rooted in providing safety for the first digital generations but with an eye on powering digital freedom and wellness for the next generation of digital life.