AI‑Integrated IT Framework for Cyber Resilience in SMEs
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16595831Keywords:
AI, cybersecurity, SMEs, resilience, NIST framework, and threat detection.Abstract
U.S. and Western-economies small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in general face a rising number of cyber breaches because of resource shortages and technical constraints. The study proposes an AI-infused IT framework through a phased approach for raising cyber resilience of SMEs within levels of awareness, detection, response, and continuous improvements. Keeping in mind the detection shortcomings, workforce training, and governance-related issues, this model leverages low- cost AI tools while complementing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. The modular nature of the framework allows optionality in implementation, granting SMEs the choice to ramp up their defenses in a cost-effective way. Future research will validate the framework in practical surroundings, and it will quantify how it constellates into the cyber readiness of SMEs.
References
Aldoseri, A., Al Khalifa, K. N., & Hamouda, A. M. (2024). A framework for building resilience through innovation and process optimization in AI powered digital transformation. In M. A. Badar, R. Gupta, P. Srivastava, I. Ali, & E. A. Cudney (Eds.), Handbook of digital innovation, transformation, and sustainable development in a post pandemic era(pp. 3–33). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003438748-2
Button, D. J., Ophoff, J., Irons, A., & McDonald, S. (2025). Mind the gap: Exploring perceptions of cyber security in the SME context. Information & Computer Security. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1108/ICS-02-2025-0047
Carayannis, E. G., Dumitrescu, R., Falkowski, T., & Zota, N. R. (2024). Empowering SMEs: Harnessing the potential of Gen AI for resilience and competitiveness. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 71, 14754–14774. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEM.2024.3456820
Carayannis, E. G., Dumitrescu, R., Falkowski, T., Papamichail, G., & Zota, N. R. (2025). Enhancing SME resilience through artificial intelligence and strategic foresight: A framework for sustainable competitiveness. Technology in Society, 81, 102835. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.102835
Chaudhary, S., Gkioulos, V., & Katsikas, S. (2023). A quest for research and knowledge gaps in cybersecurity awareness for small and medium sized enterprises. Computer Science Review, 50, 100592. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosrev.2023.100592
Eberhardsteiner, L. (2024). Adopting AI in SMEs: Development of a framework for adopting AI in SMEs with a focus on security and privacy concerns [Doctoral dissertation, Johannes Kepler University Linz]. JKU ePUB. https://epub.jku.at/obvulihs/content/titleinfo/11427103
El Shenawy, A. S., Khourshed, N. F., Ragheb, M. A., & Beshr, M. H. (2025). Integration of Industry 4.0 and Lean Six Sigma: Critical success factors for overcoming socioeconomic challenges in the telecommunication sector. SocioEconomic Challenges, 9(1), 80–100. https://doi.org/10.61093/sec.9(1).80-100.2025
Fernández de Arroyabe, J. C., Arroyabe, M. F., Fernández, I., & Arranz, C. F. A. (2024). Cybersecurity resilience in SMEs: A machine learning approach. Journal of Computer Information Systems, 64(6), 711–727. https://doi.org/10.1080/08874417.2023.2248925
Fidel Anyana, I., Onus, E. G., Mikel Olisa, U., & Ayanbode, N. (2025). AI driven cybersecurity frameworks for SME development: Mitigating risks in a digital economy. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation, 6(1), 982–988. https://doi.org/10.54660/.IJMRGE.2025.6.1.982-988
Hassan, Y. G., Collins, A., Babatunde, G. O., Alabi, A. A., & Mustapha, S. D. (2023). AI powered cyber physical security framework for critical industrial IoT systems. Machine Learning, 27.
Hokmabadi, H., Rezvani, S. M., & de Matos, C. A. (2024). Business resilience for small and medium enterprises and startups by digital transformation and the role of marketing capabilities—A systematic review. Systems, 12(6), 220. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12060220
Iqbal, J., & Abbas, A. (2025). Cybersecurity and AI synergy for SME resilience and economic equality[Unpublished manuscript].
Iyelolu, T. V., Agu, E. E., Idemudia, C., & Ijomah, T. I. (2024). Driving SME innovation with AI solutions: Overcoming adoption barriers and future growth opportunities. International Journal of Science and Technology Research Archive, 7(1), 36–54. https://doi.org/10.53771/ijstra.2024.7.1.0055
Jackson, M. (2024, November). Empowering SMEs through digital transformation: Harnessing AI and cybersecurity for long term success
Lani, K., & Abbas, N. (2025). Data driven AI solutions for strengthening SME resilience in cyber risk environments [Unpublished manuscript].
Lu, X., Wijayaratna, K., Huang, Y., & Qiu, A. (2022). AI enabled opportunities and transformation challenges for SMEs in the post pandemic era: A review and research agenda. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, 885067. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.885067
Ode, E., Awolowo, I. F., Nana, R., & Olawoyin, F. S. (2025). Social capital and artificial intelligence readiness: The mediating role of cyber resilience and value construction of SMEs in resource constrained environments. Information Systems Frontiers. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10796-025-10608-z
Pemmasani, P. K. (2023). National cybersecurity frameworks for critical infrastructure: Lessons from governmental cyber resilience initiatives. International Journal of Acta Informatica, 2(1), 209–218. https://www.yuktabpublisher.com/index.php/IJAI
Sundaramurthy, S. K., Ravichandran, N., Inaganti, A. C., & Muppalaneni, R. (2022). AI powered operational resilience: Building secure, scalable, and intelligent enterprises. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Review, 3(1), 1–10.
Thomas, C. (2024, November). Digital transformation for SMEs: Leveraging AI and cybersecurity for sustainable growth [Unpublished manuscript].
Vihaan, A., & Adrian, G. (2025). AI integrated business intelligence: Safeguarding SMEs in the digital market [Unpublished manuscript].
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Riyaz Hossain, I K M Saameen Yassar
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.