The artificial intelligence landscape is rapidly evolving, with significant advancements and emerging challenges across various sectors. In cybersecurity, Mimecast reports a staggering 500% surge in AI-powered phishing and ClickFix attacks in 2025, with cybercriminals increasingly using legitimate tools and realistic impersonations to bypass defenses. This trend is echoed by cybersecurity expert Jon Clay, who warns of scarily realistic AI-generated videos, or deepfakes, being used for sophisticated scams. To combat these threats, new guidance from OWASP and OpenSSF aims to secure AI systems and AI coding assistants, while the Cloud Security Alliance is proposing a framework for managing AI identities. In healthcare, AI is making strides, with a new FDA-authorized platform using mammogram readings to predict breast cancer risk, and Jian Li receiving a $1.2 million grant to develop AI for fairer healthcare resource allocation. The business world is also adapting, as WebFX launches an AI Brand Visibility Audit service to help companies navigate AI-driven search engines like Google's SGE and Microsoft's Copilot. On Wall Street, executives anticipate that junior employees may soon manage AI bots, gaining management experience earlier. Spotify is exploring AI's potential for artists and fans, partnering with major labels to build a generative AI lab, while Howard University is launching an AI certificate program and partnering with OpenAI, receiving a $2.25 million grant. These developments underscore the dual nature of AI, echoing Stephen Hawking's early warnings about its potential for both immense good and significant risk.
Key Takeaways
- AI-powered phishing and ClickFix attacks have surged by 500% in 2025, with attackers using sophisticated methods and realistic impersonations.
- New guidance from OWASP and OpenSSF is available to help secure AI systems and AI coding assistants against cyber threats.
- An AI platform has received FDA authorization to help predict a woman's 5-year risk of developing breast cancer using mammogram readings.
- Jian Li has been awarded a $1.2 million grant to develop AI systems for fairer healthcare resource allocation.
- WebFX has introduced an AI Brand Visibility Audit service to help businesses adapt to AI-driven search engines like Google's SGE and Microsoft's Copilot.
- Spotify is establishing a generative AI lab in partnership with major music labels to create new tools for artists and fans.
- Howard University is launching an AI certificate program and has partnered with OpenAI, receiving a $2.25 million grant.
- Cybersecurity experts warn that increasingly realistic AI-generated videos (deepfakes) pose a significant threat for scams and impersonations.
- Executives at major financial institutions predict that junior Wall Street employees may soon manage AI-powered digital agents.
- Stephen Hawking's early insights highlighted AI's potential to solve global problems while also cautioning about the risks of losing control.
Mimecast: AI phishing attacks surge 500%
A Mimecast report shows a 500% increase in AI-powered phishing and ClickFix attacks in 2025. Cybercriminals are using trusted services to bypass email security, making attacks more sophisticated. Phishing now makes up 77% of all cyber threats, up from 60% in 2024. Attackers are also using legitimate tools like DocuSign and CAPTCHA services to trick victims and avoid detection. Ranjan Singh, Mimecast's Chief Product & Technology Officer, noted that attackers are increasingly targeting humans through various channels, using AI for realistic impersonations.
New guides help secure AI systems from cyber threats
As organizations adopt AI, new guidance aims to protect these systems and defend against AI-driven attacks. OWASP and OpenSSF offer playbooks for securing agentic AI and AI coding assistants. Hackers are using AI for large-scale phishing and complex automated attacks, while organizations are using their own AI tools for threat hunting. A recent incident showed an AI coding tool used for a major data theft and extortion campaign. The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) also proposed a new framework for managing AI identities, as traditional methods are insufficient.
AI helps doctors predict breast cancer risk
Doctors are now using artificial intelligence with mammogram readings to help predict a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. This AI platform is the first of its kind to be authorized by the FDA for predicting a woman's 5-year risk. Breast cancer remains a significant cause of death for women, with about one in eight women diagnosed in their lifetime. This new technology aims to improve early detection and risk assessment for this disease.
Stephen Hawking's AI warning: Greatest creation or downfall
Famed physicist Stephen Hawking recognized AI's potential to solve global problems but also warned of its dangers. He believed AI could be humanity's greatest creation, revolutionizing fields like medicine and environmental science. However, Hawking also cautioned that AI surpassing human intelligence could lead to a loss of control. He stressed the importance of carefully managing AI development to avoid unintended consequences detrimental to human existence. His insights continue to shape discussions about AI's future.
WebFX launches AI tool for brand visibility in search
WebFX has launched a new AI Brand Visibility Audit service to help businesses succeed in AI-driven search environments. As AI search engines like Google's SGE and Microsoft's Copilot become more common, companies need to adapt their marketing. This audit analyzes a business's presence in AI search, tracks brand mentions, compares them to competitors, and offers strategies to improve visibility. The service aims to ensure businesses remain competitive in the evolving digital landscape.
Jian Li gets $1.2M grant for AI healthcare resource planning
Jian Li has received a $1.2 million grant from the NSF/NIH Smart and Connected Health program to use AI for healthcare resource allocation. The project aims to develop intelligent systems that can make fairer decisions about who receives medical interventions and when. This research addresses the challenge of allocating limited healthcare budgets effectively. The team will use advanced machine learning techniques and large health datasets to ensure real-world applicability. Stony Brook University is leading this collaboration with researchers from Georgia Tech, Harvard Medical School, and Massachusetts General Hospital.
Spotify uses AI to help artists and fans
Spotify is partnering with major music labels like Sony, Universal, and Warner Music to develop AI tools for artists and fans. The company plans to build a generative AI lab focused on creating new products for artists, offering generative music tools, and finding new revenue streams. Spotify aims to ensure AI supports artists by protecting their rights and enhancing fan experiences. This initiative follows Spotify's recent crackdown on AI-generated music, requiring it to be labeled and addressing impersonations. The goal is to combat fraudulent AI music while enabling legitimate uses.
Howard University launches AI certificate and partners with OpenAI
Howard University is launching a new AI certificate program next fall for students, faculty, and staff. The university also announced a partnership with OpenAI, becoming one of 15 institutions in its AI research initiative and receiving a $2.25 million grant. The AI Advisory Council shared updates on integrating AI responsibly, focusing on enhancing education and university processes. Key courses for the certificate include AI tools, ethical AI, and AI in specific disciplines. The university is also developing an AI policy to guide its integration.
AI videos are scarily realistic, warns cybersecurity expert
Cybersecurity expert Jon Clay from Trend Micro warns that AI-generated videos, or deepfakes, are becoming incredibly realistic and difficult to detect. Scammers are using this technology to impersonate people, creating a new wave of sophisticated scams. Clay will share insights on how to identify these AI-driven scams and prevent people from falling victim. The increasing realism of AI videos poses a significant challenge for cybersecurity.
Wall Street juniors may manage AI bots sooner
Top executives at JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs predict that junior employees on Wall Street may soon manage teams of AI-powered digital agents. This shift could allow earlier-career employees to gain management experience before leading human teams. While acknowledging potential anxiety about changing job roles, executives believe that demonstrating AI's ability to improve daily tasks will ease resistance. They emphasize giving employees access to technology to foster adoption and adaptation.
Glean Technologies recognized for AI innovation
Glean Technologies has been named a Progressive Company in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) market by MarketsandMarkets' 360Quadrants platform. This recognition highlights companies with established product portfolios, a strong global presence, and a history of research and industry collaborations. Glean Technologies is acknowledged for its contributions and position within the AI sector.
Sources
- Mimecast Report: AI Phishing and ClickFix Attacks Explode
- Cybersecurity Snapshot: Top Advice for Detecting and Preventing AI Attacks, and for Securing AI Systems
- Doctors using AI mammogram readings to predict breast cancer risk
- Stephen Hawking’s chilling prediction: Why AI could be humanity’s greatest creation or its ultimate downfall | - The Times of India
- WebFX Launches AI Brand Visibility Audit to Help Businesses Dominate AI Search
- Li Secures Grant to Optimize Healthcare Resources with AI
- How Spotify is Using AI to Supercharge Artists
- Howard University announces forthcoming AI Certificate Program, Research Funding Proposal Partnership with OpenAI, and more at AI Initiative Town Hall
- On Your Side Podcast: Artificial intelligence videos are so real, they’re scary
- Wall Street's junior employees could be managing teams sooner with AI. The catch? They're teams of bots.
- Glean Technologies is recognized as a Progressive Company by MarketsandMarkets' 360Quadrants for Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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