Cybersecurity and AI: How SMBs Can Protect and Propel Their Business

In our ongoing series about how artificial intelligence (AI) can transform small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), we’ve discussed the immense potential of AI to close the productivity gap between SMBs and large corporations. We’ve seen that AI tools like ChatGPT , 微软 Copilot, and 谷歌 Gemini can automate and optimize non-core activities, allowing SMBs to focus on what they do best. However, there’s another critical aspect that SMBs must consider as they embrace AI and digital transformation: cybersecurity.

As SMBs become increasingly dependent on AI and other technologies, they also become more vulnerable to cyber threats. In this article, I will explore some of my thoughts after a recent conversation with Matt Lee, CISSP, CCSP, CFR, PNPT , a cybersecurity expert from Pax8 , on how SMBs can protect themselves while leveraging AI to boost productivity.

The Productivity Opportunity—and the Security Risk

As I’ve mentioned in earlier articles, the productivity gap between SMBs and larger corporations is significant, with large companies often producing twice the output. AI has the potential to close this gap, as studies have shown that AI tools can help businesses complete tasks in a fraction of the time. For instance, Microsoft’s research found that users of AI tools like Copilot could complete tasks 26% to 73% faster than those without AI access.

However, with these advancements come new risks. The more SMBs rely on technology, the more vulnerable they become to cyberattacks. According to Matt Lee, the transition from traditional IT to Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions has levelled the playing field for SMBs with regards to ease of technology deployment, but it has also introduced new security challenges. Without proper cybersecurity measures, SMBs are leaving themselves exposed to threats that could disrupt their operations and compromise sensitive data.

Practical Cybersecurity Solutions for SMBs

The good news is that there are practical steps SMBs can take to protect themselves while continuing to innovate with AI. Here are some key recommendations on how SMBs can secure their operations, with helpful analogies for non-technical readers.

1. Work with Managed Service Providers (MSPs)

Many SMBs don’t have the resources or expertise to manage their cybersecurity in-house. This is where MSPs come in. Think of it like maintaining a car. In the past, when cars were simpler, you could fix things yourself—change the oil, replace a headlight, or maybe even tinker with the engine. But today’s cars are much more complex, with mechanical parts, software, chips, and sensors all working together. Trying to fix it yourself can be overwhelming and risky. Instead, you take your car to a trusted garage for regular checks and maintenance to avoid bigger problems. Similarly, cybersecurity today is too complex for most businesses to handle alone. By partnering with a trusted MSP, SMBs can ensure their cybersecurity is being monitored and managed by professionals who keep everything running smoothly.

2. Use Password Managers and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

In the early days of the internet, people often used the same password for everything. It was convenient, but this became increasingly dangerous as cybercriminals could easily compromise all your accounts once they breached one. Then, people tried using different variations of passwords, maybe applying a personal formula for each service. Unfortunately, this also proved to be insecure, as hackers could quickly connect the dots and exploit the entire pattern once they had access to one password.

Today, data breaches are all too common, and you can’t assume that any of your accounts are completely secure. This is why cybersecurity experts recommend using different passwords for every service. But remembering all those passwords is like trying to remember the telephone numbers of all your contacts. We do not do that (anymore!). We store all of our contacts in a digital phone books.

Password managers like digital phone books designed to securely store your passwords. But unlike a phone book, where losing it means a simple inconvenience, passwords are far more sensitive. If a password is compromised, it can expose your financial information, work data, and personal accounts. That’s why storing them securely in a password manager is crucial. You should start using one asap: LastPass , 1Password , or Apple’s Keychain can do the job.

Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of protection by requiring more than just a password to access your accounts. It usually involves two or more of the following factors:

• Something you know (like your password)
• Something you have (like a code sent to your phone or an authentication app)
• Something you are (like your fingerprint or face recognition)

So, even if a hacker gets your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second factor, such as a code from your phone or a biometric scan. This makes it much harder for anyone to break into your accounts, even if your password is compromised.

While MFA adds an extra step to the login process, it’s a necessary trade-off between convenience and security. Sure, it takes a few more seconds to log in, but the added protection is worth it. Think of it as an additional lock on your front door—slightly more effort but exponentially more security for your digital life.

3. Leverage Identity Management

One of the biggest vulnerabilities for SMBs is poor identity management. Using identity providers like Microsoft, Google, or Apple, helps to centralize and secure access across different platforms. Think of it like your passport or ID issued by your country. A passport confirms who you are, and the more trusted your country is, the more widely that passport is recognized and accepted. In the digital world, companies like Microsoft, Google, and 苹果 offer these “digital passports,” which you can use to log in to various applications, websites, and services. The fewer digital identities you use (ideally one), the better, because it helps avoid confusion. If you log in to an application with a Google account one day and an Apple ID the next, the system might see you as two different people, causing errors and vulnerabilities. Centralizing your identity ensures you are securely recognized across all platforms.

4. AI for Cybersecurity

Just as AI can drive productivity, it can also enhance cybersecurity. AI-driven tools can monitor networks for suspicious activity, detect vulnerabilities, and respond to threats in real time. Imagine a large warehouse with hundreds of valuable items. You could hire a security guard to patrol the area, but a human can only cover so much ground. Now imagine a high-tech security system with cameras and sensors that can detect and alert you to any unusual activity immediately. This is what AI does for cybersecurity. It acts as that advanced security system, constantly monitoring your digital assets, identifying potential threats, and responding quickly to prevent damage.

AI tools also help keep SMBs secure as they grow. The more data and users a business has, the more complex its cybersecurity needs become. With AI managing security, SMBs can scale confidently, knowing their systems are protected by cutting-edge technology.

The Double-Edged Sword of AI

While AI can significantly enhance cybersecurity, it’s important to recognize that it can also be used by cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities. As AI becomes more sophisticated, so do the tactics of those looking to cause harm.

Cybercrime is now a global industry, ranking as the third-largest economy in the world. SMBs are not immune to these risks, and failing to take cybersecurity seriously can have disastrous consequences. Whether it’s a data breach, ransomware attack, or phishing scheme, the cost of a security incident can be catastrophic for an SMB’s operations, finances, and reputation.

Looking Ahead: Join the Conversation at the B2SMB Institute Conference

As SMBs continue to explore how AI can improve their operations, cybersecurity must remain a top priority. This will be one of the focus areas at the upcoming B2SMB Institute conference, which will be held in October in Chicago. The conference will bring together industry leaders, AI experts, and SMB advocates to discuss how AI can boost productivity while keeping businesses secure.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from companies leading the way in AI-driven solutions, learn best practices, and network with other SMB Sales Leaders navigating similar challenges.

Conclusion: Balancing Innovation with Security

In our journey to explore how AI can transform SMBs, we’ve seen how it can drive productivity, automate tasks, and optimize operations. But none of these benefits matter if the business isn’t secure. Cybersecurity and AI must go hand in hand for SMBs to fully realize the potential of digital transformation.

By adopting the right cybersecurity practices—whether it’s working with MSPs, using AI-driven security tools, or implementing MFA—SMBs can protect themselves from threats while continuing to innovate and grow. As we move forward, the balance between AI-driven productivity and robust cybersecurity will be the key to long-term success for SMBs.

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Final thoughts

This article was crafted with the assistance of AI, but the ideas and insights are entirely my own (or inspired by discussions with experts). I used AI to create an initial draft, a strawman, which I then refined and reworked to ensure the final product reflects my perspective. The result is an AI-assisted article that benefits from the efficiency of technology without compromising the human touch.