small businesses

Security firm ESET is warning that 49% of UK small and medium-sized businesses are expected to experience a cyber breach, according to experts cited in the report. The warning highlights growing concern that smaller firms remain under-defended against rising cyberattacks, and is prompting calls for better investment in basic security measures across the UK's small business sector.

A study of 4,688 small-business websites found that 49.7% met none of seven basic security header criteria, highlighting widespread gaps in everyday web hygiene among smaller firms. The findings suggest many small businesses lack the technical resources or awareness to implement standard protections, leaving sites more exposed to common attacks like script injection and clickjacking.

The US Space Force is acquiring directed-energy laser systems to shoot down drones flying over Cape Canaveral, Florida, home to a major space launch complex. The weapons are intended to protect rockets, spacecraft and infrastructure from small unmanned aerial threats near the busy spaceport. Details on which systems will be fielded and when remain limited, but the move reflects growing concern about drone threats to critical launch sites.

Security firm ESET reports that 49% of UK small and medium-sized businesses have experienced a breach, with cybersecurity experts outlining measures companies can take to reduce risk. The findings point to persistent vulnerabilities among smaller firms, which often lack dedicated security teams. Commentators are urging SMBs to prioritise basic protections such as patching, staff training and multi-factor authentication.

Robotics startup Feather has launched a humanoid robot priced at $29,990, a figure far below typical industry costs. The launch is being framed as evidence that small teams, rather than deep-pocketed giants, are reshaping the economics of humanoid robotics by driving prices down and expanding access to general-purpose robots for businesses and researchers.

A Swiss startup has accused Perplexity AI of stealing its passive listening technology, according to a Courthouse News report. The allegation suggests the San Francisco-based AI search company misappropriated proprietary technology designed for passive audio listening. Details of the dispute, including any legal filing, remain limited, and neither company's full response has been made clear.

American Express has introduced new business savings and payroll tools for its customers, according to a report carried by Yahoo Finance. The move expands the company's offering for small and mid-sized business clients, adding cash management and payroll capabilities alongside its existing card and payments services. Details on pricing, availability and how the tools will be bundled with current Amex business accounts were not provided in the report.

Bank Indonesia is calling on small businesses to strengthen their governance standards in order to qualify for loans. The central bank's message is aimed at helping micro, small and medium enterprises become more creditworthy and access financing more easily. The appeal reflects ongoing efforts in Indonesia to broaden financial inclusion and support small business growth through better access to bank credit.

From 1 January 2026, Belgian businesses are required to exchange B2B invoices as structured electronic invoices via the Peppol network, following the EN 16931 standard. Developers are discussing open-source, self-hosted solutions, including adding Peppol e-invoicing support to a self-hosted Flask application, as small firms and software builders prepare for compliance.

Small businesses on Kauai are asking visitors to come back following Hurricane Lowell, saying the island is ready to welcome them with aloha and some patience as recovery continues. The appeal reflects concern that travelers may cancel trips even where damage was limited, hurting shops and restaurants that depend on tourism.

Colorado Mills Mall in Lakewood, Colorado, has filed a lawsuit against a yoga studio that shut down before its lease ended. The mall is reportedly seeking payment for the remainder of the lease agreement after the studio closed early. The case has drawn attention for its unusual framing, with the dispute between a large shopping center and a small fitness business raising questions about tenant obligations when businesses exit leases prematurely.