The rapid adoption of AI technologies is significantly reshaping global internet traffic patterns. A recent report from Menlo Security highlights a major rise in visits to AI-related platforms, signaling a shift in how users engage with artificial intelligence.

Between February 2024 and January 2025, traffic to AI tools surged from 7 billion to 10.53 billion visits—a 50% increase in less than a year. This spike is largely driven by users continuing to access generative AI (GenAI) tools through web browsers, despite the growing number of desktop and private applications available.

Browsers Still Dominate GenAI Access

According to Menlo Security, approximately 80% of GenAI usage still happens via browsers. Their accessibility across devices, seamless integration capabilities, and ease of deployment make browsers the preferred channel for both developers and users.

“Over the past year, there’s been growing awareness of the risks surrounding AI,” said Satyam Sinha, CEO and co-founder of Acuvity. “Customers are increasingly concerned about how to effectively prioritize and address these issues.”

Key GenAI Usage Insights

A study by Menlo Security, based on AI-related interactions from hundreds of organizations across May and June 2025, revealed:

• 5.6 million visits to GenAI platforms in a single month
• 6,500 unique AI domains compared to 3,000 AI apps
• Over 400 million weekly ChatGPT users, with 95% using the free version
• 75% GenAI adoption rate among organizations in the Asia-Pacific region
• A 130% year-over-year rise in zero-hour phishing attacks, now enhanced by AI capabilities

For more on securing browser-based AI access, see: Closing the Browser Security Gap: Defending Against Modern Web-Based Threats

“Understanding how threat actors are exploiting AI systems is essential,” added Nicole Carignan, SVP at Darktrace. “Cybersecurity is the cornerstone of AI safety.”

The Rise of Shadow AI and Its Threats

The report also highlights a growing risk from shadow AI—the unauthorized or unmanaged use of GenAI tools within organizations. According to the findings:

• 68% of employees are using free-tier GenAI tools like ChatGPT with personal accounts
• 57% are entering sensitive information into these platforms

“Shadow AI, due to its unregulated nature, poses greater risks than traditional shadow IT,” said Kris Bondi, CEO of Mimoto. “Its covert use makes it even more dangerous.”

Experts like Krishna Vishnubhotla of Zimperium warn that AI-powered phishing attacks are becoming faster and more convincing, pushing traditional security defenses to their limits.

“Security must evolve at the same pace as AI threats,” Vishnubhotla emphasized.

As AI continues to transform how we interact with technology, cybersecurity strategies must rapidly adapt. Organizations must not only embrace AI but also implement robust security frameworks that keep pace with its evolving threat landscape.

Source: https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/web-ai-usage-shifts-internet