BRATISLAVA — June 2, 2026 — ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity, today released its SMB Cyber Readiness Index 2026, based on a global survey of 4,400 SMB decision makers representing organizations with 25 to 1,000 endpoints across 13 countries in North America, Europe, and Asia.
The index examines SMB cybersecurity sentiment across the most pressing challenges facing the segment, including the dual role of AI in driving new threats within the threat landscape and defending against them in business environments, overall cybersecurity posture, awareness training, and incident response.
The data shows that 45% of SMBs experienced a cybersecurity incident in the past 12 months, with 14% experiencing more than one incident. A majority of surveyed SMBs (61%) report being seriously concerned about cyberattacks, while 75% consider cyberwarfare and global conflicts to be real cyber threats capable of impacting their business operations.
Among cyber threats, SMBs report the greatest concern with AI powered malware, even though such threats remain relatively rare at present.
Overall, the survey highlights several positive trends. Insurance and compliance requirements are driving stronger cybersecurity practices, and many SMBs have accepted that organizational size does not provide protection from cyber threats. As a result, businesses appear increasingly prepared to confront attacks.
- 68% of SMBs are confident in their ability to prevent attacks, and 75% trust their cyber resilience when responding to incidents
- 65% are satisfied with their cybersecurity budgets, with an additional 15% reporting they are “more than satisfied”
- Only 11% operate with essential (minimal) cybersecurity protection
- 87% view employee education as very important or critical to cyber resilience, with 67% conducting training more than once per year
- Just 6% rely solely on basic awareness training programs, while an additional 2% provide no cybersecurity training at all
- More than one third of SMBs investigated cyber incidents within two weeks
Despite these improvements, notable concerns remain. Many SMBs underestimate the seriousness of supply chain attacks and the risks associated with AI enabled tools, including so called shadow AI.
Read the full report.
About ESET
For 30 years, ESET® has been developing industry-leading IT security software and services for businesses and consumers worldwide. With solutions ranging from endpoint security to encryption and two-factor authentication, ESET’s high-performing, easy-to-use products give individuals and businesses the peace of mind to enjoy the full potential of their technology. ESET unobtrusively protects and monitors 24/7, updating defenses in real time to keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. Evolving threats require an evolving IT security company. Backed by R&D facilities worldwide, ESET became the first IT security company to earn 100 Virus Bulletin VB100 awards, identifying every single “in-the-wild” malware without interruption since 2003.
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Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.
Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.