Data security, a key issue, reinforced by partner-related risks
Along with the mental health of managers and employees, data security remains one of the most important issues for managers of very small businesses (VSEs) (84%, +1pt vs. 2024), especially among companies that have already taken or plan to take preventive measures (91%). However, this issue remains important for VSEs that have not taken any preventive measures, or do not intend to do so: 74% consider it an important issue. This finding begs the question as to what is holding these VSEs back, as they are helpless in the face of the threat of cyber-attacks, but fail to protect themselves.
VSE managers are more critical of their service providers, suppliers and customers : 35% fear that a cyber-attack targeting their partners could have a negative impact on them in turn. This proportion has been rising steadily since 2023: a quarter were worried about this in 2023, 29% in 2024, and this year we have recorded a 6-point increase. This apprehension is more pronounced among two VSE profiles: those with sales in excess of one million euros, and those who have already experienced a cyber-attack (45%).
Growing adoption of AI, but persistent doubts about its usefulness
The importance of implementing artificial intelligence solutions is growing this year, even if it remains secondary to the other issues tested: 31% of managers consider it important, 4 points more than last year. There is a significant gap between VSEs that have already implemented at least one AI solution (66% consider it an important issue, including 21% who consider it very important) and VSEs that have no AI tools and are not considering it (14% consider it an important issue, while 53% consider it not important at all).
AI is beginning to make inroads into the VSE sector, as evidenced by the significant increase in the proportion of companies having implemented at least one artificial intelligence solution, or intending to do so (35%, +9pts). Moreover, more than a quarter have already adopted at least one tool (26%, +6pts). The service sector is more at the forefront (42%, +7pts), unlike industry (21%, -14pts). While the adoption of AI tools facilitating the way VSEs do business (28%, +7pts) or the work of their support functions (26, +8pts) is increasing, the integration of AI tools into the offer proposed to the customer remains stable (16%, +1pt).