AI and cloud growth demands smarter security for SMBs
The power of AI is undisputable, from automation to sharper customer insights, AI has become foundational to business strategy. According to Forrester's report 'The Future of Operations', commissioned by Crayon in early 2025, 61% of APAC SMBs plan to implement or expand AI within the next two years. Those already investing are seeing results: they're 20% more likely to report revenue growth of 15% or more.
But with this opportunity comes pressure. The same technologies enabling growth are also exposing critical infrastructure, data, and processes to risk. Security and privacy are now the top IT priority for 76% of SMBs, and 74% cite compliance as a key driver of AI investment.
While AI is undoubtably fueling innovation and market expansion, the flip side is a sharp increase in cybersecurity challenges that businesses can't afford to ignore.
A gap between strategy and security
AI has also become a key force in enhancing cybersecurity measures across APAC, particularly in areas like threat detection and response. But while benefits are clear, many businesses, especially SMBs, are struggling to put the right guardrails in place.
The challenge is clear: many SMBs are ambitious, but not always equipped. Nearly half face difficulties preparing data for AI workloads, and over 40% report persistent performance issues - including managing computing, storage, and networking infrastructure. The result? Slower progress, rising costs, and widening exposure.
These aren't just technical gaps. They reflect a strategic misalignment between innovation and readiness. And too often, organisations are still relying on outdated systems and fragmented security frameworks while adopting cutting-edge technologies.
As AI becomes embedded into every layer of business, cyber risks become systemic. Alert fatigue, false positives, and blind trust in black-box AI systems all chip away at resilience. And when systems fail, the cost isn't just financial, it's reputational, operational, and regulatory.
Securing smart growth
The truth is too many businesses are still navigating these changes without the clarity or confidence they need. Security can't be an afterthought. It must be lifecycle-led, integrated into every stage of cloud and AI adoption, with an honest conversation at the start.
What are the vulnerabilities across your data, identities, applications and devices? Where do you need visibility? What does risk actually look like for your business model?
Then comes a risk-informed plan that aligns with local regulations, embeds trust in every decision, and adapts as threats evolve.
Workforces are hybrid, infrastructures are distributed, and data lives everywhere. That's why today's security models need to take on a 'Zero Trust' approach assuming nothing and verifying everything.
APAC, where stakes are high
In a region like the Asia Pacific, where cybersecurity regulations are tightening fast – such as the upcoming Cyber Security Act and Malaysia and progressive legislature in Singapore - aligning AI adoption with national standards is essential. Businesses that build security into their AI roadmap from the start are the ones best positioned to scale safely and competitively.
The promise of AI and cloud growth is immense, but so are the stakes. For SMBs, success means walking the line between innovation and risk with a clear strategy and the right partners. With the right mindset, models, and partner support, businesses can harness the power of AI - securely, sustainably, and competitively.
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