Cybersecurity expert Olawole Oluleye has called on small businesses to take immediate action in protecting their digital assets as cyber threats continue to escalate.
Oluleye, who is also an AWS solutions architect, stated that small businesses are facing unprecedented cybersecurity challenges as the digital landscape evolves.
He emphasised that protecting digital assets has become an essential responsibility for small businesses to ensure survival in the current climate.
According to him, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to online operations, making small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) more vulnerable to sophisticated cyber threats, including phishing, ransomware, and data breaches.
This is just as he said artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a crucial tool in detecting and mitigating these risks.
He further highlighted the role of Large Language Models (LLMs), a subset of AI, in enhancing cybersecurity for SMBs. According to him, LLMs act as a “digital compass,” helping businesses identify suspicious activities, scan for vulnerabilities, and even assist in writing security policies.
“AI language models can automate detection and threat analysis, predict and flag potentially harmful emails, and scan files and applications for malware in real-time,” he noted.
The cybersecurity expert also recommended integrating tools like Google’s VirusTotal into websites to automate malware detection, reducing exposure to threats.
However, he cautioned that AI models are not foolproof and require human expertise to provide context and minimize false alerts. “AI isn’t flawless, and human experts must add context to avoid obstructing legitimate activity,” Oluleye explained.
For SMBs aiming to strengthen their cybersecurity posture, he advised several key steps, including assessing current cybersecurity vulnerabilities, implementing basic AI-powered threat detection tools, training teams to collaborate effectively with AI systems, and staying updated on emerging threats and security best practices.
“Investing in AI-powered cybersecurity solutions can build formidable defenses at a fraction of the cost,” he concluded. “For small business owners, it’s time to prioritize digital security and safeguard your future,” he added.
Oluleye is a certified AWS solutions Architect and Security Specialist, affiliated with the Computer Professionals of Nigeria, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the Open Worldwide Application Security Project (OWASP), and the Python Software Foundation.
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