A survey conducted by Nationwide reveals a widening gap between rapid technological adoption and digital safety. While 60% of business owners report that their staff uses public AI tools for tasks, only 36% have established written policies, and just 37% offer training on responsible usage. This creates an environment where 35% of owners suspect their employees are utilizing unauthorized software, potentially exposing sensitive company or customer data.

Cybercriminals are exploiting this lack of governance with increasing frequency. Beyond the 31% of businesses targeted by AI-driven fraud, 52% of independent insurance agents report an uptick in claims linked to these sophisticated attacks. With 88% of business owners acknowledging that AI-enabled threats have grown more complex, the lack of preparation remains a critical vulnerability: only 35% of companies currently maintain an up-to-date incident response plan. Bobbie Goldie, Vice President of Commercial Cyber at Nationwide, notes that while owners recognize the need for better protection, 82% admit they require additional resources to defend against these evolving risks.