Generative AI impacts, market uncertainty, and cybersecurity continues to top CEO concerns

By Anisa Williams, BSS Staff

 

2024 was a year tinged with uncertainty for business owners of all sizes. We’ve come to expect market volatility in election years but the disruption of AI integrations, labor shortages, and supply chain inconsistencies look to continue in 2025. Here are the top tech trends that owners should consider:

Generative AI in the Office

“AI product and service innovation is the #1 CEO goal, yet business models aren’t keeping up.” (IBM Business Trends Report 2025) Businesses are trying to stay ahead of their competitors by integrating Generative AI into their processes, software, automations, and strategies. However, many owners are not considering the long term financial, technology infrastructure, and labor training impacts of adding AI solutions. Additionally, IT departments are scrambling to stay ahead of security needs that AI integrations demand.

Supply Chain & Windows 10 End of Life

Intense natural disasters, coupled with port strikes and talks of tariffs have made companies stockpile raw materials and reduced availability of chips for computer systems. With the deadline to upgrade from Windows 10 looming in this budget year, computers will become harder to source for employees. BSS is anticipating delays in computer availability as we move closer to the fall.

Cybersecurity Threats Increase

Cybersecurity experts are saying that 2025 will be a banner year for hacking in the speed and frequency of expected attacks, especially with the added power of unethical AI use. Business Email Compromise, Phishing, Smishing (text phishing), and Ransomware still top the list of cyber threats. The second half of 2024 saw a 202% increase in total phishing messages, and a 703% increase in credential phishing attacks, according to SlashNext’s 2024 Phishing Intelligence Report. Additionally, hackers are targeting critical infrastructure like power grids and water systems for greater disruptions.

Growth in IoT Device Use

More and more devices, such as security cameras, speakers, and even refrigerators need to be connected to a network to function. Critically, each IoT device means another potential access point for threat actors if security is not addressed at install.  Additionally, the sheer number of smart devices on a network can slow a company’s connectivity, while possibly running out of internal IP assignments for each device.

Human Customer Service

From social media to the purchase experience, consumers are demanding authentic, personalized customer service. They are looking for human connections, expertise, and to know the real people behind the product or service. This demand is a direct result of the vast influx of AI and bot-generated reviews, videos, and information flooding the net. Businesses must step up their service game and have processes and software in place to curate product and brand loyalty, no matter the industry.

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Owners of small and medium-sized businesses are working closely with their IT Managed Support companies to shore up security and ramp up AI automation. BSS will be on your side of the table to guide you through 2025 and beyond.

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Illustration by Pixabay/Jensen Art Co

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