By the midpoint of 2025, the U.S. was on track to set a new yearly record in the number of reported data breaches.

That’s according to data compiled by the Identity Theft Resource Center.

One reason is the proliferation of artificial intelligence, which has made the work of criminal hackers easier, cheaper and scalable.

What does that mean for the rest of us?

Cooper Katz McKim dove deep into the world of AI-supercharged crime for NPR’s daily economics podcast The Indicator, and introduces us to what he’s found.

Listen to the Indicator’s Vice Week

Fighting AI with AI

What’s supercharging data breaches? 

When cartels start to diversify

How AI might mess with financial markets

Scam compounds, sewing patterns and stolen dimes

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This episode was produced by Connor Donevan. It was edited by Kate Concannon and Patrick Jarenwattananon. It features additional reporting by Darien Woods. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.

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