How AI And Phishing-As-A-Service Are Changing The Email Threat Landscape
Barracuda Networks Blog, Tuesday, May 12th, 2026
AI and phishing-as-a-service platforms are escalating email threats, with nearly half of malicious activity being phishing attacks.
Barracuda's 2026 Email Threats Report reveals that email threats are evolving rapidly, with attackers leveraging AI and phishing-as-a-service platforms to increase campaign scale and sophistication. Nearly half of all malicious email activity is phishing, and attackers are shifting from traditional file-based malware to stealthier methods like URL-based attacks, QR codes, and HTML content.
Account takeover incidents are prevalent, with 34% of companies experiencing at least one per month, while 90% of high-volume phishing campaigns utilize phishing-as-a-service kits. Organizations must implement layered defenses combining email security with identity protection, automated response capabilities, and enhanced user awareness to effectively combat these evolving threats.