Direct access to your money is a major motivator. This includes:
AI allows hackers to create highly convincing emails and even voice or video clones (deepfakes) to impersonate family or coworkers.
Some attacks are designed to shut down websites or delay services purely to interrupt operations.
Your data is often the primary prize. Hackers look for anything that can identify, locate, or contact you, such as social security numbers, full names, and addresses. This information is malleable and can be used to file fake tax returns, apply for loans, or open new credit cards in your name.