The latest release of JumpCloud’s SME IT Trends Report, titled “Detours Ahead: How IT Navigates an Evolving World,” is now available. This biannual survey examines how IT teams in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are addressing challenges such as shadow IT, AI, device management, and their relationship with managed service providers (MSPs).
According to Greg Keller, co-founder and chief technology officer of JumpCloud, IT teams are facing numerous obstacles including economic uncertainty, security threats, and complex tech environments. One major concern for IT admins is shadow IT, with 84% worrying about its impact on organizational security. To combat this, IT teams need tools to identify unauthorized applications and maintain control over the IT environment.
The report highlights that many IT teams struggle with limited resources and staffing to adequately address cybersecurity threats. Additionally, concerns about applications managed outside of IT are widespread, with 84% of IT teams expressing apprehension. Despite these challenges, various factors inhibit IT teams from effectively managing shadow IT.
Cybersecurity attacks are on the rise, with 45% of SMEs falling victim in the first half of 2024. Phishing attacks are the most common, followed by shadow IT, stolen credentials, and breaches in partner organizations.
Key findings from the report include the continued support for diverse device environments in SMEs, the need for centralized IT management, the complexity of managing multiple credentials, and the dominance of security concerns in IT challenges. IT teams are also increasingly reliant on MSPs for various functions, with a majority planning to increase investment in the next 12 months.
Despite concerns about AI outpacing security measures, IT teams are working to adopt AI responsibly. While some are apprehensive about AI’s impact on their job, others see its potential benefits for efficiency and security.
For more insights from the report, you can download “Detours Ahead: How IT Navigates an Evolving World” from the JumpCloud website. This report covers a range of topics including AI, IT management, cybersecurity, and the role of MSPs in SMEs.
