SMEs show conflicting attitudes toward AI, JumpCloud report finds
The State of IT 2024: The Rise of AI, Economic Uncertainty, and Evolving Security Threats
JumpCloud has published their Q1 2024 small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) IT Trends Report, which delves into the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on identity management, security challenges, economic uncertainties, and the growing reliance on managed service providers (MSPs) in IT operations. The survey findings, polling IT admins in the US, UK, and India, provide insights into the impact and perceptions surrounding AI adoption, economic implications, security concerns, and the role of MSPs. The report highlights the key findings and implications relevant to the technology landscape.
The survey methodology:
JumpCloud surveyed 1,213 SME IT decision-makers in the UK, US, and India, representing organizations with 2,500 or fewer employees from various industries. The online survey was conducted by Propeller Insights between November 14 and November 27, 2023.
Key Findings
AI Adoption: Optimism and Concerns
Organizations are actively planning for AI, with 76% of respondents agreeing that their organization should be investing in AI. While 79% of IT admins see AI as a net positive for their organization, there are concerns about AI’s potential impact on security and individual careers. 62% of respondents agree that AI is outpacing their organization’s ability to protect against threats, and nearly half (45%) worry about AI’s impact on their job.
Uncertainty for IT
Economic uncertainties are a growing concern for IT teams, with 57% of organizations experiencing layoffs and 72% of admins worried about the impact of budget cuts on security. The cost of remote work solutions, compliance mandates, and device environment changes are contributing to the challenges faced by IT professionals.
Security Challenges Persist as Admins Adjust their Response
Security remains the top challenge for IT teams, with 56% of admins reporting it as the biggest IT challenge. While biometrics adoption is increasing, 83% of organizations still use password-based authentication for IT resources. Network attacks, software vulnerability exploits, and ransomware are the biggest security concerns for IT admins.
MSPs Play a Major Role in IT Operations
Managed service providers (MSPs) are increasingly crucial to SME IT operations, with 42% of organizations using an MSP to completely manage their IT environment, a 56% increase from April 2023. MSPs are relied upon for various functions, including system security, cloud storage, system monitoring, and hardware procurement, among others. The top reasons for using MSPs include staying up to date on the latest technologies, providing a better user experience, and being cost-effective.
Conclusion
The Q1 2024 SME IT Trends Report sheds light on the impact of AI, economic uncertainties, security challenges, and the role of MSPs in SME IT operations. As AI adoption continues to grow, organizations need to balance optimism with addressing security concerns and individual career impacts. Economic uncertainties, security challenges, and the reliance on MSPs are shaping the IT landscape, emphasizing the need for adaptable and resilient IT solutions.
Source: JumpCloud Q1 2024 SME IT Trends Report
For more details, access the full report here.
(Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by JumpCloud)
