Massive cyberattack in Morocco: artificial intelligence, the new weapon of hackers ⚠️

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Morocco faces an unprecedented cyberattack. More than 31,000 Moroccan bank cards have been compromised, according to cybersecurity firm Cypherleak. These sensitive data are now circulating on the Dark Web, putting thousands of citizens at risk of financial fraud. Even worse, among these cards, more than 5,500 are still valid, allowing cybercriminals to carry out fraudulent transactions with impunity.

Ai powering cyberattacks 🤖

This attack highlights an alarming trend: the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) by hackers. Youssef Mazouz, cybersecurity expert and Secretary General of the African Cybersecurity Center (CAC), emphasizes that AI has become a key tool for cybercriminals. With automation and advanced algorithms, attacks are now faster, more sophisticated, and harder to detect.

Hackers use AI to:

• Enhance phishing attacks: Creating fake websites and phone calls that perfectly mimic official banking interfaces.
• Bypass security systems: Automatically adapting attacks based on vulnerabilities detected in the cybersecurity protocols of companies and financial institutions.
• Automate intrusions: Previously lengthy and complex attacks can now be carried out on a large scale using bots that quickly exploit multiple vulnerabilities.

Citizens unprepared for the threat ⚠️

One of the factors contributing to the success of these cyberattacks is the low level of digital literacy among many citizens. While online transactions and bank card usage are becoming more common, users remain poorly informed about digital risks.

Phishing scams are multiplying, exploiting internet users’ naivety to steal sensitive information. Fake SMS messages, emails, and phone calls impersonating banks trick customers into disclosing their banking details or approving fraudulent transactions.

Outdated legislation against new threats ⚖️

Morocco has a legal framework for cybersecurity. Governed by Law 05-20, this regulation aims to protect information systems and strengthen the fight against cybercrime. However, it now appears insufficient against hackers’ evolving techniques.

According to experts, current measures need to be reinforced on multiple levels :

• Implementing AI-powered detection and prevention systems to anticipate and block attacks in real-time.
• Launching national awareness campaigns to educate citizens on how to recognize phishing attempts and secure their banking data.
• Increasing collaboration between banks, public institutions, and cybersecurity experts to coordinate an effective response to cyber threats.

A call to action to protect users 🔒

This massive attack is a wake-up call for authorities and digital stakeholders in Morocco. When used wisely, AI could also become a shield against cybercriminals. But to achieve this, strategic investments and collective awareness are necessary.

With hackers becoming increasingly sophisticated, cybersecurity must no longer be an option—it must be a national priority.

And you, what measures do you take to protect your data online? Let us know in the comments! ☺️