Awareness of Machine Learning techniques used by (SME) for their cyber security

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning techniques have become vital in the growth and dependencies of small and medium enterprises (SME) in the UK in the operations and commercial environment. The study surveys the key Machine Learning techniques used by SMEs and for their cyber security. SMEs have developed their own cyber regimes and awareness towards understanding the notion of AI and Machine Learning and this understanding is explored for both running of their day-to-day business and its application to detect and protect the cyber space from threats and attacks in which they work in. There has been previous research into Machine Learning techniques being used to keep the cyber space safe, however, there is no study which particularly looks at which Machine Learning techniques are being used by UK SMEs for cyber security. Much like the security guards and policing that happens in the real world, the virtual world is now calling on super giants of AI in particular Machine Learning techniques to be embedded in such the likes of a secret service covert operation to help in protecting data being distributed in its millions into cyber space. This paper will share the success stories of Machine Learning and its usage in cyber security. The methodology adopted focusses on structured survey questions on a selected sample number of respondents and directed to the SMEs management, technical and non-technical professionals. The papers survey was also conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic which rose particular interest in how the respondents replied and the high survey returns for answers. Based on the analysis and findings, this small study of under 30 participants revealed that these SMEs had the appropriate Cyber Security Packages in place but not necessarily aware of its full potential. The success story of this paper draws the conclusions emerging from business and organisations needing help of government policies and process, and working together to combat hackers, malicious actors and their bots and manage the best they can to stay ahead of the game. These aspirations can be reached with ensuring those involved with devices have been well trained and understand the importance of communications to apply appropriate safety processes and procedures particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic that has led to a cyber pandemic causing the grievance of cyber threats to increase tremendously.
This article also highlights an important funding gap that could be fulfilled by the government to support SMEs in the form of grants, subsidies, and similar financial assistance through various public sector policies. It is apparent that awareness from SMEs in this pool of participants were poor and more work in raising awareness or being informed needs to take place. The study findings add to the research that awareness is still on a learning curve and yet to be defined. Whilst Machine Learning has produced cyber security challenges, this paper will perform its deduction and quantification of its examples and how strong the perception and awareness of Machine Learning is penetrating the UK SME business mind.