In late December 2025, TechRadar highlighted a new wave of cyberattacks led by AI‑created ransomware and NFC‑based threats, underscoring the rapidly changing threat landscape that all businesses must confront. TechRadar
These threats are not “somewhere over the horizon.” They are emerging today, combining cutting‑edge technologies that make attacks easier to launch and harder to stop. The result? Higher risk for every organization that still depends primarily on traditional security tools focused on detection and response.
According to a recent ESET Research threat report highlighted by TechRadar, the first known AI‑driven ransomware called PromptLock has been discovered. This proof‑of‑concept malware uses advanced language models to generate malicious scripts on the fly, enabling it to scan systems, perform data exfiltration, encrypt files, and even destroy data autonomously.
Even though PromptLock is currently a research prototype and not widely seen in the wild, its existence shows how seriously the cybersecurity landscape is shifting. It signals that future ransomware could be self‑directed and self‑adapting without the need for highly skilled developers to write every line of malicious code.
At the same time, Near Field Communication (NFC) attacks are spiking. NFC malware can infect devices through contactless interactions, and recent variants have been shown to steal contacts and other sensitive information. These attacks take advantage of everyday technologies like smartphones and contactless payment devices, turning routine interactions into breach opportunities.
For years, security teams have relied on detection‑centric tools. These solutions look for known signatures, known malicious behaviors, or anomalies flagged by machine learning. When something suspicious happens, security teams are alerted, and a response is triggered. That might include isolating an endpoint, blocking a connection, or launching a manual investigation.
But as threats become AI‑driven and more complex, attackers are using tactics that slip past many traditional defenses. AI‑generated malware can modify itself to evade detection. NFC vectors can look like benign interactions until it’s too late. In this context, a strategy that simply detects and then responds is too slow, too reactive, and too limited.
And the data backs this up. Industry threat reports have documented steep increases in sophisticated threats and clear evidence that traditional detection methods struggle to keep pace. AI‑powered phishing and ransomware are on the rise worldwide, with attacks growing in volume and sophistication each year.
This new threat environment demands a fundamental shift in how organizations protect endpoints and critical assets. Instead of waiting to detect threats and then responding, modern security requires prevention through isolation and containment.
That’s where AppGuard stands apart. With over ten years of proven success, AppGuard’s unique approach doesn’t rely on detecting attacks. Instead, it blocks actions that malware and unauthorized code use to cause harm, effectively isolating threats before they can execute.
Prevents Malware Execution Before It Starts
AppGuard blocks unknown, unwanted, or malicious code from executing, stopping threats like AI‑created ransomware at the outset.
Stops Lateral Movement
Many ransomware attacks spread laterally across a network after initial infection. AppGuard’s containment stops this spread in its tracks.
Reduces Dwell Time
The longer malware stays undetected inside your environment, the more damage it can do. With isolation, threats are neutralized instantly, not hours or days later.
Protects Against Unknown Threats
Traditional security relies on signatures and patterns. AppGuard does not, making it effective against zero‑day attacks and novel threats like AI‑generated code.
The rise of autonomous cyber threats isn’t a prediction for the future. It’s happening now. Every day, businesses face an increasing volume of sophisticated threats that can bypass outdated defenses and exploit human and technical vulnerabilities.
Here’s what business leaders should take away:
AI‑driven threats and NFC malware are proof that attackers are innovating faster than traditional defenses can keep up.
Security strategies focused solely on detect and respond leave dangerous gaps that attackers can exploit.
Isolation and containment are essential to prevent malware from executing and spreading.
AppGuard offers a mature, proven approach that stops malicious actions before they can inflict damage.
If your organization relies on conventional endpoint detection and response tools, now is the time to evolve your defense strategy. The new cyber threat landscape demands solutions that prevent compromises rather than simply react to them.
Talk with us at CHIPS today to learn how AppGuard can protect your business from advanced threats like AI‑created ransomware and emerging attack vectors. Let us help you move from a reactive detect and respond posture to a proactive isolation and containment strategy that stops modern cyberattacks before they start.
Your business, your data, and your reputation deserve stronger protection. Contact CHIPS now and take the next step in cybersecurity confidence.
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