Hackers Breach Networks Faster Than Ever

The latest Global Threat Report from Crowdstrike reveals a disturbing trend in the world of cybersecurity: hackers are breaching networks faster than ever before. According to the report, the average time it takes for an attacker to gain full access to a network has dropped to just 29 minutes in 2025, a 65% decrease from the previous year.

This alarming trend is largely driven by the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tools by hackers. The report notes that attackers using AI-powered tools have increased their activity by 89% compared to the previous year. This is particularly concerning, as AI-powered attacks are often more sophisticated and difficult to detect than traditional attacks.

The report highlights the use of AI-powered tools by state-sponsored and criminal groups, who are using these tools to launch more efficient and effective attacks. "It's an arms race in the area of cybersecurity," said a security researcher at Crowdstrike. "Attackers are using AI to automate their attacks, making it harder for defenders to keep up."

One of the most striking examples of the speed and efficiency of AI-powered attacks is the case where an attacker gained access to a network in just 27 seconds. This is a staggering statistic, and it highlights the need for organizations to rethink their cybersecurity strategies in the face of this new threat.

The report also notes that the use of AI-powered tools is not limited to state-sponsored groups. Criminal organizations are also using these tools to launch attacks, often with devastating consequences. In one case, an attacker began exfiltrating data just four minutes after gaining access to a network.

So, what can organizations do to protect themselves against these increasingly sophisticated attacks? The report recommends that organizations prioritize the use of AI-powered security tools, which can help to detect and respond to attacks more quickly. Additionally, organizations should focus on implementing robust security protocols, such as multi-factor authentication and regular software updates.

The rise of AI-powered attacks is a wake-up call for organizations to take cybersecurity seriously. As the report notes, "the speed and efficiency of attacks is increasing, and defenders need to keep up." By prioritizing cybersecurity and implementing robust security protocols, organizations can reduce the risk of a breach and protect themselves against the growing threat of AI-powered attacks.

In conclusion, the latest Global Threat Report from Crowdstrike highlights the alarming trend of hackers breaching networks faster than ever before. The increasing use of AI-powered tools by attackers is driving down compromise time, making it harder for defenders to keep up. Organizations must prioritize cybersecurity and implement robust security protocols to protect themselves against these increasingly sophisticated attacks.