SMEs face rising cyber threats amid AI and training concerns
January 20, 2025
A new Sharp study warns European SMEs are at heightened risk of cyber-attacks as workers cite growing fears over AI-driven threats and a lack of adequate training. Industry reports highlight a stark reality for smaller firms.
European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly vulnerable to cyber-attacks, according to a recent study by Sharp Europe. The research, which surveyed over 11,000 workers across 11 countries, paints a concerning picture of rising employee anxieties, AI-fuelled risks, and inadequate preparation.
The report reveals that 84% of workers are more worried about cybersecurity now than a year ago, with 24% fearful of making errors that could trigger attacks. Concerns around artificial intelligence (AI) are a growing factor, with 43% of respondents citing AI as a key reason for their unease, while 34% believe it will make detecting cyber threats more challenging.
Sharp highlights a significant gap in preparedness, with 72% of SME workers admitting they lack confidence in identifying threats and 41% stating they have not received any cybersecurity training in the past two years.
The findings mirror wider industry data. A Eurobarometer survey found that 28% of European SMEs encountered cybercrime in 2021, yet only 19% provided cybersecurity training to their employees.
This lack of preparation leaves SMEs increasingly exposed. The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) recently warned that over 80% of SMEs see cybersecurity issues as potentially catastrophic, with 57% fearing they could go out of business within a week of a major incident.
AI’s dual role as a potential risk amplifier and a defensive tool adds complexity. While AI has enabled more sophisticated cyber-attacks, SMEs face hurdles in deploying it effectively to bolster defences. Research by the University of Essex underscores that internal capabilities often outweigh external support in driving AI adoption.
Sharp’s findings add urgency to the debate on how SMEs can address these challenges. Roland Singer, Vice President of IT Services at Sharp Europe, noted “…business leaders aren’t providing their employees with adequate or regular training to deal with these new cyber threats. Technology is constantly evolving, so cybersecurity training should be adapting at the same pace.”
With SMEs increasingly on the front line of cyber threats, calls for improved training, the implementation of cybersecurity plans, and strategic adoption of AI are growing louder. Sharp’s report emphasises the importance of proactive measures to safeguard the future of smaller firms in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Categories : World Focus
Tags : AI Business Cybersecurity Sharp Training
