AI Is Working, Cyber Breaches Are Up, and Hiring Has Room Again

82% of small businesses are now using AI tools, with 91% reporting a revenue boost and the average operator running five AI tools simultaneously. But the expanded digital footprint comes with risk: 1 in 3 SMBs was breached last year, 88% of those breaches involved ransomware, and AI-generated phishing is 4.5x more effective. On the brighter side, May labor data shows hiring gaining steam and more room for small businesses to compete.