The research also revealed that 38% of US SMBs are likely to purchase Wifi networking equipment for a business location in the next six months; and that 37% of US SMBs are likely to purchase data security services for a business location in the next six months; and  24% of US SMBs are “very familiar” with cyber liability insurance – but 37% say they are interested.

“COVID-19 has affected businesses all over the world, and as a result, many companies have to extend their networks into households to allow their employees to work-at-home,” said Jennifer Kent, Senior Director, Parks Associates.

“These circumstances also introduce a variety of new connected devices to the business network, each of which can affect performance and expand cybersecurity risks. Managing and securing their networks are top priorities for SMBs, which expands opportunities for ISPs, technical support service providers, and other players to deliver Wifi management, network security, and other value-added services (VAS) to their SMB customers.”

In conjunction with this latest research, in November Parks Associates will be hosting a complimentary webinar titled “Value-Added Services for the SMB Segment,”  to examine the current work environment for SMBs, their needs for data security and network management solutions, and opportunities to create and deploy value-added services to this unique segment.

The webinar features speakers including Jennifer Kent, Senior Analyst at Parks Associates and Ronald Peters, Product Manager, Trusted Home, Irdeto, the main sponsor of the event.

The subjects up for discussion will include new operational and device/service needs for SMBs, including demand for Wifi management solutions;  the trajectory of the connected device landscape for SMBs; the need and demand for data security and networking monitoring products; and the tools required to extend SMB security and network management solutions to offsite/work-at-home employees.