Connect with us

Technology

The New Face of Fraud: 40% of Business Email Compromise (BEC) Emails Are AI-Generated

Published

2 years ago

on

BEC emails see a 20% year-on-year increase, malicious links increase by 74%, and malicious attachments double

LONDON, July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — VIPRE Security Group, a global leader and award-winning cybersecurity, privacy, and data protection company, has unveiled its Q2 2024 Email Threat Trends Report. The report highlights the ingenuity of cyber criminals in using AI to evade detection and maliciously scam individuals and enterprises. VIPRE processed 1.8 billion emails globally, detecting 226.45 million spam emails and 16.91 million malicious URLs to identify the email threat trends that impact enterprises the most.

The high stakes of Business Email Compromise (BEC)

BEC remains a major scourge. Nearly half (49%) of all detected spam emails are attributed to BEC scams, with the CEO, followed by HR and IT, being the most common targets. It takes on a more sinister complexion when a full 40% of the BEC emails uncovered were AI-generated, and in some instances, AI likely created the entire message.

Double the malicious attachments

Q2 2024 saw twice as many evasive malicious attachments compared to the previous year, underlining the sophistication of modern email exploits. Entities without measures to detect these advanced threats could find themselves in hot water, facing double the risk compared to 12 months ago.

74% increase in malicious links

The research identified 16.91 million malicious URLs, a 74% rise from the previous year. This surge highlights the growing use of advanced evasion techniques by attackers.

Emerging trends in phishing and malspam

Phishing remains a dominant threat with attackers favouring URL redirection and cloud-hosting services. Cloudflare Turnstile was the most commonly used technique (51%) in phishing emails. Cloudflare Turnstile is a free service designed to protect websites from malicious traffic and functions as an advanced CAPTCHA alternative.

A significant shift in malspam tactics is observed. 86% of malspam emails used malicious links and only 14% contained attachments – a reverse of the Q1 2024 trend, where 78% of malspam emails contained malicious attachments, while only 22% used malicious links. This swing may be due to the increasing difficulty in detecting malicious links leading to seemingly legitimate websites that harbor infected links.

Sector-specific targeting

Threat actors increasingly targeted the manufacturing sector with 25% of email attacks, followed by retail (which was absent from 2023’s targets) at 20% and real estate at 11%. Attackers appear to be focusing on industries perceived as lacking advanced cybersecurity measures. In 2023, finance led the way with 25% of email attacks, and manufacturing surged to 43% in Q1 2024, a top position the sector continues to hold.

Regional spam sources

The US continues to be the top contender when it comes to sending and receiving spam (receiving nearly half of all phishing emails), most likely thanks to its vast data center infrastructure. Consistent with last quarter, the UK was the second-largest source of spam, followed by Canada, Sweden, and Iceland; three countries that failed to make the list either last quarter or this time last year.

“As AI technology advances, the potential for BEC attacks grows exponentially. Malefactors are now leveraging sophisticated AI algorithms to craft compelling phishing emails, mimicking the tone and style of legitimate communications,” Usman Choudhary, Chief Product and Technology Officer, VIPRE Security Group, says. “The next wave of BEC attacks could see attackers using AI to dynamically analyse and exploit real-time information, creating tailored and contextually accurate scams nearly indistinguishable from genuine correspondence. Enterprises must stay ahead by adopting robust AI-driven defenses and continuously educating their workforce on emerging threats.”

To read the full report, click here: VIPRE’s Email Threat Trends Report: Q2 2024.

VIPRE leverages its vast understanding of email security to equip businesses with the information they need to protect themselves. This report is based on proprietary intelligence gleaned from round-the-clock vigilance of the cybersecurity landscape.

About VIPRE Security Group

VIPRE Security Group, part of Ziff Davis, Inc., is a leading provider of internet security solutions purpose-built to protect businesses, solution providers, and home users from costly and malicious cyber threats. With over 25 years of industry expertise, VIPRE is one of the world’s largest threat intelligence clouds, delivering exceptional protection against today’s most aggressive online threats. Our award-winning software portfolio includes next-generation antivirus endpoint cloud solutions, advanced email security products, along with threat intelligence for real-time malware analysis, and security awareness training for compliance and risk management. VIPRE solutions deliver easy-to-use, comprehensive layered defense through cloud-based and server security, with mobile interfaces that enable instant threat response. VIPRE is a proud Advanced Technology Partner of Amazon Web Services operating globally across North America and Europe.

The group operates under various brands, including VIPRE®, StrongVPN®, IPVanish®, Inspired eLearning®, Livedrive®, and SugarSync®. www.VIPRE.com

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-new-face-of-fraud-40-of-business-email-compromise-bec-emails-are-ai-generated-302208822.html

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Technology

UNIKEY ELECTRONICS PTE. LTD. Ranked No. 5 on Electronics Sourcing’s 2026 Top Global Independent Distributors List

Published

27 minutes ago

on

October 19, 2026

By

The recognition marks the company’s third major industry ranking in 2026 and highlights its growing position in the global electronic components distribution market.

SINGAPORE, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — UNIKEY ELECTRONICS PTE. LTD. (“Unikey Electronics”), a Singapore-headquartered global electronic components distributor serving customers through its unikeyic.com brand and online platform, today announced that it has been ranked No. 5 on Electronics Sourcing’s 2026 Top Global Independent Distributors list.

The placement recognizes Unikey Electronics as one of the world’s leading independent electronic components distributors and reflects the company’s continued progress in global sourcing, inventory coverage, quality assurance, digital procurement and responsive fulfillment.

This is Unikey Electronics’ third major industry recognition in 2026. Earlier this year, the company was ranked No. 19 on Supply Chain Connect’s 2026 Top 50 Global Electronics Distributors List and No. 7 on its 2026 Top 50 Asia Pacific Distributors List. Together, these rankings reflect the continued development of the company’s global distribution capabilities and its commitment to supporting engineers, buyers, OEMs, ODMs and EMS providers in a rapidly changing supply environment.

As electronic component supply chains become increasingly complex, customers require more than product availability. They need dependable quality controls, flexible sourcing options, responsive fulfillment and digital tools that help simplify procurement. Unikey Electronics continues to strengthen these capabilities to help customers manage high-mix, low-volume requirements, urgent demand and broader supply chain challenges with greater speed and confidence.

Core capabilities supporting customers worldwide include:

Scale and breadth. More than 300,000 in-stock SKUs, authorized distribution partnerships with over 200 brands and access to an extensive global supplier network.In-house quality inspection laboratory. CNAS-accredited and ILAC MRA-recognized, with test reports recognized in more than 100 economies, helping customers source authentic, quality-assured components with confidence.Agile fulfillment. Same-business-day dispatch for in-stock items, helping customers shorten lead times and reduce supply risk.Digital procurement. Online product search, BOM tools, RFQ support and enterprise API integration for real-time inventory access, pricing visibility and streamlined ERP connectivity.Global service. Dedicated support for design engineers, purchasing teams and electronics manufacturers in more than 100 countries and regions.

Unikey Electronics extends its appreciation to its customers, suppliers, partners and employees whose continued trust and collaboration have contributed to this achievement.

Looking ahead, Unikey Electronics will continue investing in inventory depth, brand coverage, quality assurance, digital procurement capabilities and global service efficiency. The No. 5 ranking represents an important milestone in the company’s development and reinforces its commitment to helping customers source electronic components with greater speed, confidence and flexibility.

More Stock. More Brands. Trusted by More.

About UNIKEY ELECTRONICS PTE. LTD.

UNIKEY ELECTRONICS PTE. LTD. (“Unikey Electronics”) is a Singapore-headquartered global online distributor of electronic components, serving design engineers, sourcing professionals, ODMs, OEMs and EMS providers in more than 100 countries and regions through its electronic components distribution brand and online platform, unikeyic.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/unikey-electronics-pte-ltd-ranked-no-5-on-electronics-sourcings-2026-top-global-independent-distributors-list-302912164.html

SOURCE UNIKEY ELECTRONICS PTE. LTD.

Continue Reading

Technology

BLUETTI Showcases Innovative Energy Solutions at the 140th Canton Fair

Published

27 minutes ago

on

October 19, 2026

By

GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global clean energy brand BLUETTI showcased its comprehensive portfolio of portable power stations, residential energy storage systems, and commercial and industrial (C&I) energy solutions at the 140th Canton Fair, held from October 15 to 19. The exhibition highlighted BLUETTI’s diversified energy solutions for personal, residential, and commercial applications, while creating new opportunities for global partnerships.

Portable Power Solutions

BLUETTI presented its PREMIUM series, designed for outdoor adventures, RV travel, and home backup power. Meanwhile, the Pioneer 5000 professional portable power station, delivering 5,000W of continuous output, provides reliable power for construction sites, equipment rental businesses, and agricultural operations.

With LiFePO4 battery technology, fast charging, solar input, and UPS protection, BLUETTI’s portable power solutions offer greater flexibility for customers seeking dependable electricity across outdoor, residential, and professional applications.

Residential Energy Solutions

The HomeStar series supports AC and solar charging, along with app-based smart energy management, providing dependable backup power for households, clinics, and small businesses.

BLUETTI also introduced its integrated Pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) solution, making energy more affordable through flexible installment payments and digital operations management via the BLUETTI GO platform.

BLUETTI invites global partners to join its PAYGO solar network and expand their businesses by reaching underserved households and micro-businesses with affordable energy solutions. Through PAYGo platform integration, product deployment, and local distribution partnerships, the company aims to accelerate energy access and unlock growth opportunities in emerging markets.

Commercial and Industrial Energy Storage

BLUETTI showcased C&I energy storage solutions ranging from 64kWh to 240kWh, alongside integrated solar, energy storage, and EV charging systems. Supporting peak shaving, energy arbitrage, critical-load backup, and flexible capacity expansion, these solutions help businesses optimize energy costs and improve operational efficiency.

By coordinating solar generation, battery storage, and EV charging demand, these integrated solutions help businesses reduce grid dependence, manage peak demand, and maintain operational continuity in increasingly complex energy environments.

Expanding Global Partnerships

Looking ahead, BLUETTI will continue strengthening collaboration with distributors, energy developers, EPC contractors, and other industry partners worldwide, accelerating the deployment of diversified clean energy solutions across global markets.

Serving more than 3.5 million customers worldwide, BLUETTI continues to develop scalable energy solutions for diverse regional markets, supporting partners with a broad product portfolio tailored to different customer needs and business opportunities.

For more information, visit: https://www.bluetti.com/ 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bluetti-showcases-innovative-energy-solutions-at-the-140th-canton-fair-302912173.html

Continue Reading

Technology

MMA IMPACT & SMARTIES Vietnam 2026 to Unite 1,000+ Leaders for Growth and Marketing Excellence

Published

28 minutes ago

on

October 19, 2026

By

With a legacy spanning 14 editions, more than 12,500 senior leaders, 400 international speakers, 200 sessions and 400 partners, MMA IMPACT Vietnam is preparing for its milestone 15th edition.

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Taking place on 29 October at GEM Center in Ho Chi Minh City, MMA IMPACT Vietnam 2026 will bring together 1,000+ senior marketing leaders, 30+ international speakers and representatives from hundreds of leading businesses to explore how marketing can drive measurable business value and growth.

The momentum will carry into the evening with the SMARTIES Vietnam 2026 Awards Gala, celebrating the year’s most outstanding marketing campaigns and the teams behind them.

Leading Industry Voices to Take the Stage at MMA IMPACT Vietnam 2026

Under the theme “Advancing Marketers’ Ability to Create Value,” this year’s programme will focus on four key areas of business impact: Growth, Margin, Retention and Enterprise Value. MMA IMPACT Vietnam 2026 will offer practical perspectives on how leaders can translate strategy, technology and data into measurable business outcomes.

One of the highlights of MMA IMPACT Vietnam 2026 will be its lineup of 30+ international speakers, including CEOs, CMOs, Marketing Directors and senior leaders from multinational corporations, leading brands and organizations at the forefront of the industry.

Through keynote presentations, CEO/CMO panels, and in-depth discussions, delegates will hear directly from leaders tackling real business challenges and explore new approaches to strengthening marketing’s contribution to business performance. 

Ms. Phan Bich Tam, Managing Director of MMA Vietnam & Cambodia, shared:

“In the AI era, marketing has new capabilities to understand customers more deeply, make decisions faster, and optimize investment effectiveness. Real value is created when businesses connect AI and data with human understanding and clear business objectives – from growth and margin to customer retention and long-term enterprise value. MMA IMPACT Vietnam 2026 is a platform for leaders to share how these capabilities can be translated into measurable outcomes for businesses and for Vietnam’s marketing industry.”

1,000+ Leaders, Hundreds of Businesses and New Opportunities for Collaboration

Beyond its international speaker lineup, MMA IMPACT Vietnam 2026 will bring together more than 1,000 senior executives and marketing professionals from hundreds of leading businesses across sectors including FMCG, technology, finance, media and commerce.

Supported by 30+ leading partners, the event will connect brands, businesses and organisations contributing to the development of the marketing industry. Delegates will have opportunities to engage directly with decision-makers, expand their professional networks and explore new business partnerships.

The Most Anticipated Gathering for Marketing Leaders This October

MMA IMPACT Vietnam 2026 is now less than two weeks away, bringing the marketing community together for a day of strategic insights, firsthand perspectives from industry leaders and new opportunities for business collaboration.

The evening will continue with the SMARTIES Vietnam 2026 Awards Gala, where the year’s most outstanding marketing campaigns will be announced and recognized.

Seats for both events are limited. Register now to be part of this year’s gathering of marketing leaders and innovators.

Event Information | 29 October 2026 – GEM Center, Ho Chi Minh City

– MMA IMPACT Vietnam 2026: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM
https://mmaglobal.com/event/mma-impact-vietnam-2026

– SMARTIES Vietnam 2026 Awards Gala: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
https://mmaglobal.com/smarties/awards/programs/vietnam/gala

PR Newswire is the official media partner for MMA IMPACT Vietnam 2026.

Contact:
MMA Vietnam
mmavn@mmaglobal.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/mma-impact–smarties-vietnam-2026-to-unite-1-000-leaders-for-growth-and-marketing-excellence-302912182.html

SOURCE MMA Vietnam

Continue Reading

Trending