Introduction
The fear surrounding the use of new technological tools, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), in businesses is diminishing. As company leaders recognize the potential of AI, 51% plan to expand their teams using digital tools within the next 12 to 18 months, according to Microsoft’s study “AI in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities.”
AI Adoption in SMEs
The study surveyed 300 Mexican companies, revealing that 64% have already adopted AI solutions. SMEs are embracing AI to stay ahead of the competition, with 45% using it for this purpose.
- AI adoption aims to increase productivity and streamline processes, with 45% of SMEs utilizing AI for these goals.
- One in four SMEs leverages AI to enhance and improve customer service satisfaction.
- AI adoption also focuses on business continuity, with 46% of microenterprises, 33% of small enterprises, and 45% of large enterprises using AI for this purpose.
- SMEs prioritize efficiency, often creating multimedia content like images. 53% rely on AI to analyze existing data and make decisions based on defined algorithms, such as voice assistants.
- 42% of SMEs use AI generative tools, which create new content based on learned patterns from data analysis, like Chat GPT or DALL-E.
Cybersecurity Concerns in SMEs Using AI
According to Microsoft’s survey, approximately 24% of SMEs faced cybersecurity threats due to AI usage.
Lack of employee training increases the misuse of AI tools, with 60% of microenterprises experiencing data theft or misuse and 30% showing vulnerabilities in their infrastructure.
- Small enterprises faced advanced malware driven by AI in one of every four cases.
- 43% of medium-sized companies detected manipulation of AI models, including data theft or poisoning, causing erroneous results.
Fernando Mendoza, Microsoft’s security director for small and medium enterprises, emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity measures when implementing AI tools.
- 54% of medium-sized enterprises have cybersecurity technology to use without risk.
- 49% of small enterprises have created cybersecurity policies regarding AI usage.
Seven out of ten SMEs plan to invest in cybersecurity, and 75% train their employees on AI topics.
SMEs’ Understanding of Technological Concepts
Non-digital native SMEs, which emerged when technology was limited, have a notable gap in understanding technological concepts compared to digitally native companies.
- 70% of digital-native SMEs understand AI generative concepts, while only 36% of non-digital-native companies do.
- Despite this gap, 90% of SME leaders view AI’s positive impact on their businesses favorably.
