Results from a new global survey reveal that over half (55%) of internet users in Saudi Arabia have experienced scam attempts in the past year, while about 62% fell victim to attacks targeting their accounts and data, such as social media account hacking, data leaks, or malware infections. The survey findings highlight that the digital fraud landscape is constantly evolving, with more sophisticated and targeted methods emerging, powered by artificial intelligence technologies. It warns of the continuous increase in such operations, exposing users to potential risks in most of their online activities, from emails and messaging apps to social media platforms and e-commerce sites and apps.

The survey relied on AI and machine learning technologies to collect and analyze data, providing effective user protection and integrating these technologies into a dedicated section within Kaspersky applications on Windows and macOS to facilitate access and enhance user experience. The survey noted that these technologies have successfully countered phishing attacks, blocking over 140 million phishing attempts in the first quarter of 2026 alone, underscoring the growing prevalence of online threats.

E-fraud is expanding significantly amid global shifts. In March 2026, anti-phishing technologies recorded an increase in fraudulent activities related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including fake websites impersonating official tournament platforms to lure users into unsafe actions. Kaspersky experts explained that these technologies combine machine learning, behavioral pattern analysis, and real-time threat analysis, enabling systems to detect a wide range of fraud methods—from traditional phishing campaigns and fake stores to cryptocurrency-related scams and other schemes aimed at causing direct financial losses.

Tech experts noted that current e-fraud campaigns rely on personal data stolen from previous breaches, information-stealing malware, hacked accounts, or other forms of digital exposure. Fraudsters use this data to create targeted messages, impersonate trusted entities, or increase the credibility of their attempts. In this context, Kaspersky Premium offers advanced protection against various cyber threats across all devices, including smartphones, through security technologies designed for each platform and powered by AI and machine learning. It also includes tools for detecting data breaches and identity theft, alerting users to any potential exposure of their personal information, along with Kaspersky Password Manager to protect credentials and generate unique passwords, and behavioral protection technologies like System Watcher, which monitors application behavior and analyzes patterns to detect suspicious activities in real time.

Applications on Windows and macOS have integrated these capabilities into a dedicated AI-powered anti-fraud module, making usage simpler and clearer, while these functions continue to run automatically in the background on mobile device applications.

Marina Titova, Vice President of Consumer Business at Kaspersky, said that scams have become AI-driven, imposing a new reality that cannot be ignored, as they are produced by AI, continuously increasing in prevalence and volume, and appearing everywhere—from fake ticket sales sites to impersonation of friends via messaging apps. She noted that attacks can deceive even the most experienced users, and thus individual ability to detect fraud is no longer sufficient. For this reason, the company introduced new solutions by integrating AI detection technologies into its products, enabling its technologies to detect what the human eye might miss and provide instant protection to users.

Technology electronic fraud internet malware