Cybersecurity for SMBs: AI, Automation, and Practical Support – The GFI Software Approach

In an era of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats and growing regulatory pressure, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often struggle to keep up due to limited resources. GFI Software is stepping in to bridge this gap with solutions tailored specifically to their needs—from patch management and email security to AI-powered automation.

In this interview, Jozef Kačala, VP of Sales Engineering at GFI Software, shares his perspective on the current state of IT security, the unique challenges SMBs face, and how GFI’s technology is helping companies stay secure, resilient, and compliant in a rapidly changing digital world.

What are the key challenges you currently see in IT security, and how does GFI Software address them?

One of the main challenges in IT security today is the increasing sophistication and automation of cyber threats, including AI-powered attacks such as phishing or ransomware. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, often lacking the resources of large enterprises. GFI Software addresses these challenges by offering comprehensive, easy-to-deploy solutions tailored for SMBs, covering key areas like patch management, email security, network monitoring, and web filtering. We are also integrating AI into our products to help customers stay ahead of evolving threats.

Can you share an example of an implementation that has brought significant benefits to a client?

GFI AppManager has delivered significant benefits to our customers, clients, and resellers. Before its introduction, many customers managed multiple GFI products separately, lacking a unified management interface. The AppManager addressed this by providing a single pane of glass for managing all products from one screen. Moreover, we recognized that a significant amount of time was spent switching between solutions and consulting documentation. Our integration of an AI chatbot into the AppManager helps close this knowledge gap. The AI assists users by providing instant support, answering technical questions, and guiding them through product features—significantly improving efficiency and user experience.

Eloquens is your latest solution – what benefits does it offer to customers, and what sets it apart from other solutions?

Eloquens stands out as one of the first solutions to adopt an agentic AI approach. It can receive an email, provide immediate and precise answers, and operate autonomously until human intervention is necessary. This reduces the workload on support teams and ensures that customers receive quick, accurate responses. What sets Eloquens apart is its ability to seamlessly integrate with existing workflows, its secure handling of sensitive data, and its ability to offer personalized recommendations based on previous interactions. This approach enables businesses to streamline their operations and provide exceptional customer experiences.

How do you assess the level of cyber threat awareness among small and medium-sized businesses? What can be done to enhance their resilience to cyberattacks?

Cybersecurity awareness among small businesses often starts with basic knowledge, and many are unaware of the threats they face. These businesses often operate with limited resources and lack dedicated IT teams. This creates a gap in understanding and addressing cybersecurity risks. To enhance resilience, education is key. At GFI, we conduct regular webinars and training sessions that attract hundreds or even thousands of attendees. Our focus is on providing practical, actionable knowledge that helps businesses stay informed and protected. By sharing insights and best practices, we empower SMBs to strengthen their defenses and respond more effectively to cyber threats.

How do you see the future of GFI Software solutions in the context of the growing number of cybersecurity regulations, such as NIS2?

GFI Software has been preparing for the impact of NIS2 since early 2023, recognizing its significance for our community, partners, and customers. We’ve created extensive support materials and planned product updates to help clients navigate these regulations. Additionally, we’re offering promotions to support businesses in addressing NIS2 challenges. Looking ahead, we anticipate more stringent regulations in the future, similar to Australia's Essential 8, which is more mature and prescriptive. We believe the European Union will continue to introduce stricter regulations, and we’re committed to ensuring our solutions help businesses stay compliant and secure. Our proactive approach and continuous innovation position us to support our clients as they adapt to evolving cybersecurity landscapes.

What cybersecurity and IT infrastructure management trends do you consider most significant for the coming years?

The impact of AI on IT and cybersecurity is transformative. Companies that aren't fully leveraging AI are falling behind, as AI adoption is crucial for staying relevant and competitive. Alongside this, data privacy and model security are becoming critical concerns, especially with most AI solutions operating in the cloud. We’re seeing a trend towards hybrid environments and a return to on-premises infrastructure for larger organizations. These setups offer greater control over AI functionality and data security. This balance allows businesses to harness AI’s potential while maintaining data privacy and compliance. Overall, AI adoption and infrastructure management will be key trends shaping the future of IT and cybersecurity.

With a clear focus on the needs of small and medium-sized businesses, GFI Software continues to evolve its portfolio to address today’s most pressing IT security challenges. From AI-driven innovations like Eloquens to unified management through AppManager, the company is committed to making cybersecurity more accessible, efficient, and resilient. As the regulatory landscape shifts and threats become more complex, GFI’s proactive approach and strong emphasis on education and usability position it as a valuable ally for SMBs navigating the digital age.