Who Is Using AI to Bypass Next-Gen Firewalls in 2025?

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Understanding Next-Gen Firewalls (NGFWs)
• AI’s Role in Modern Cyber Attacks
• Key Threat Actors Leveraging AI to Bypass NGFWs
• Real-World Incidents in 2025
• Techniques Used to Evade NGFWs
• Why NGFWs Are Struggling Against AI Threats
• Strengthening Defenses: What Organizations Must Do
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Introduction

As 2025 unfolds, the cybersecurity landscape has dramatically shifted. One of the most concerning developments is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by threat actors to bypass Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs). Once a formidable security solution, NGFWs are now being challenged by increasingly intelligent and adaptive attack methods. But who exactly is behind these AI-driven breaches—and how are they doing it?

Understanding Next-Gen Firewalls (NGFWs)

NGFWs are advanced firewall systems that integrate traditional firewall technology with additional features such as:

• Deep packet inspection (DPI)
• Intrusion prevention systems (IPS)
• Application awareness and control
• Threat intelligence integration

They are designed to detect and prevent sophisticated threats—but in 2025, they are facing a new kind of adversary: AI-enhanced threat actors.

AI’s Role in Modern Cyber Attacks

AI is being weaponized in unprecedented ways:

• Adaptive malware that morphs in real-time to avoid detection
• Automated reconnaissance to map network defenses and identify NGFW rules
• Machine learning-based evasion techniques that mimic legitimate traffic

This shift empowers attackers to create dynamic, evasive attacks that easily pass through traditional and even AI-assisted NGFWs.

Key Threat Actors Leveraging AI to Bypass NGFWs

Several entities are exploiting AI to penetrate NGFWs. These include:

• State-sponsored groups from nations like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran
• Cybercriminal syndicates like LockBit and Black Basta
• Hacktivists using open-source AI models for ideological campaigns
• Insider threats augmented by AI automation

Real-World Incidents in 2025

Here are recent AI-powered attacks targeting or bypassing NGFWs:

Techniques Used to Evade NGFWs

The most common evasion tactics used in 2025 include:

• Polymorphic code that changes signatures constantly
• AI-driven protocol obfuscation to mimic legitimate traffic
• Encrypted command-and-control (C2) channels over HTTP/3
• Payload segmentation across legitimate-looking traffic bursts
• Behavioral mimicry using reinforcement learning

Why NGFWs Are Struggling Against AI Threats

There are several key reasons why even advanced NGFWs are vulnerable:

• Static rule sets can't adapt fast enough to AI behavior
• Limited contextual awareness in anomaly detection
• Over-reliance on predefined threat intelligence
• Resource constraints during real-time deep packet inspection

Strengthening Defenses: What Organizations Must Do

To combat AI-powered attackers, security teams must:

• Implement AI-enhanced anomaly detection
• Use zero-trust network architecture (ZTNA)
• Invest in AI threat simulation and red teaming
• Ensure continuous training of SOC personnel
• Adopt dynamic firewall policies integrated with behavior analytics

Conclusion

AI is rapidly changing the rules of cyber defense and offense. As attackers become more autonomous and adaptive, traditional firewall systems—even those labeled “next-gen”—are increasingly inadequate. Organizations must stay ahead by embracing AI not just as a threat, but also as a tool to outpace, outlearn, and outmaneuver adversaries. The arms race between AI attackers and AI defenders has only just begun.

FAQ

Who is primarily using AI to bypass firewalls in 2025?

State-backed actors, ransomware groups, and cybercriminal organizations are the main users of AI-driven evasion techniques.

What makes AI so effective at bypassing NGFWs?

AI can mimic legitimate traffic patterns, modify payloads in real-time, and bypass static rule-based detection methods.

Are next-gen firewalls obsolete?

No, but they need to evolve quickly with AI integration and contextual intelligence to stay effective.

Which country is leading in AI-driven cyber attacks?

China and Russia have been identified as leaders in developing and deploying AI-based cyber warfare tools.

What industries are most affected?

Finance, defense, energy, and telecom sectors have seen the most incidents in 2025.

Can machine learning defend against these attacks?

Yes, when properly trained and paired with behavioral analytics, machine learning can be a powerful defense tool.

What is protocol obfuscation?

It’s a technique where attackers disguise malicious traffic to look like legitimate protocols, confusing firewalls.

Is endpoint protection still useful?

Absolutely. Endpoint protection, when combined with network security, adds an essential layer of defense.

How often should firewall rules be updated?

Ideally, they should be reviewed weekly and adapted in real-time using AI-based automation.

Are cloud firewalls better at detecting AI threats?

Cloud firewalls with built-in AI can be more adaptive and scalable than traditional on-prem solutions.

What is Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)?

A security model that assumes no user or device is trustworthy by default, minimizing access and lateral movement.

How are insiders using AI in cyberattacks?

Insiders use AI to automate data exfiltration, conceal their actions, and exploit system weaknesses.

Is encrypted traffic a challenge for NGFWs?

Yes. Encrypted traffic hides malicious content, and AI-based threats often exploit this blind spot.

What is payload segmentation?

It involves breaking malware into multiple parts sent over time to evade detection thresholds.

How does behavior mimicry help attackers?

It helps them blend in by imitating normal user behavior, avoiding anomaly-based alerts.

Are SMBs also at risk?

Yes, small and medium businesses often lack AI-ready defenses, making them easy targets.

How can training help SOC teams?

Up-to-date training helps analysts recognize AI-based threats and respond proactively.

What is AI red teaming?

Simulated attacks using AI to test and improve an organization’s security posture.

Do AI attacks require internet access?

Most do, especially for command-and-control, but offline models can also be weaponized.

Will AI replace human attackers?

Not entirely—but it will increasingly augment them, making attacks faster and more precise.