Zimbabwean SMEs at Crossroads as Cyberattacks Exploit AI Website Weaknesses

By Evans Jona

Harare — In the age of artificial intelligence, Zimbabwe’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are racing to adopt AI-powered websites to stay competitive. But while these tools promise efficiency and enhanced customer engagement, they are exposing businesses to a digital threat many are ill-prepared to face: cyberattacks.

Cybersecurity data from Statista shows that Africa experienced a 37% increase in ransomware attacks in 2023, with SMEs among the hardest hit. Locally, the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2022 warns that Zimbabwean SMEs remain vulnerable due to outdated systems, weak security practices, and limited awareness.

Founder of Vinescoop Web Design Duncan Ngwarwi says the problem is compounded by over-reliance on AI tools without proper oversight. “The biggest dangers come from cybercriminals exploiting weak security on AI-powered websites,” Ngwarwi explains. “This includes data breaches where customer payment details or personal records are stolen, malware attacks that compromise entire sites, and phishing and ransomware, which are becoming increasingly common.”

According to Ngwarwi, the most frequent security missteps by SMEs include using weak passwords or repeating credentials across platforms, failing to update plugins, themes, and AI frameworks, and skipping SSL certificates or proper encryption. Many businesses also operate without backups or disaster recovery plans, leaving them highly vulnerable to attacks. “These errors make SMEs easy targets because hackers scan the web for low-hanging fruit,” Ngwarwi warns. “A single compromised website can wipe out months of work, destroy client trust, and even shutter a business overnight.”

Real-life incidents confirm the warning. In 2022, at least three Harare-based SMEs reported ransomware attacks, leading to temporary closures and loss of sensitive customer data. In one case, a small e-commerce store lost access to both customer records and payment histories for over a week, forcing staff to manually rebuild databases.

While AI offers automation and data insights, it also introduces unique vulnerabilities. Hackers can manipulate the datasets that train AI models, causing outputs to be biased or incorrect. Subtle inputs can trick AI algorithms into misclassification or malfunction. Poorly configured AI chatbots can inadvertently leak business or client information. Ngwarwi advises SMEs to source AI tools only from trusted providers and configure them securely. “Never feed sensitive client data into AI systems without safeguards,” he says.
Despite tight budgets, Ngwarwi emphasizes that basic cybersecurity measures are affordable and essential. SMEs should implement strong authentication protocols, including two-factor logins, keep all software updated, install SSL certificates, conduct regular security audits, maintain backups, and educate employees about phishing and social engineering. Businesses can also leverage open-source security tools, cloud-based hosting with built-in protections, and local IT service providers for audits instead of hiring full-time cybersecurity staff.

For Zimbabwean SMEs, the cost of proactive measures is far lower than the potential damage from a cyberattack. Beyond financial losses, breaches can erode customer trust and harm a business’s reputation permanently. The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency projects e-commerce growth of 12% in 2025, highlighting the sector’s potential but also the risks of insufficient security. Analysts warn that as more SMEs adopt AI-driven websites, cybercriminals will increasingly target the weakest links.

Some SME owners interviewed by this reporter admitted to underestimating cybersecurity. “I thought my website was too small to attract hackers,” said a Harare-based online retailer, who requested anonymity. “But after losing two weeks’ worth of customer records to ransomware last year, I realised even small businesses are targets.” Another entrepreneur, operating a Mutare-based online fashion store, revealed how a poorly configured AI chatbot accidentally leaked customer emails and phone numbers. “We learned the hard way that AI without proper oversight is a risk,” she said.

Cybersecurity experts argue that awareness campaigns are critical. “Many SMEs don’t realise the threat until it’s too late,” said a Harare-based cybersecurity consultant. “The government, business associations, and tech providers must work together to educate businesses on secure AI deployment.” Zimbabwe’s National Cybersecurity Strategy recommends incentives for SMEs to adopt basic protections, but enforcement and follow-up remain limited. Experts say this leaves thousands of SMEs in a precarious position, especially those operating online-only businesses with limited IT expertise.

Despite the risks, AI adoption among SMEs is likely to accelerate. From AI-powered chatbots to automated payment systems, businesses are embracing tools that enhance efficiency. But as Ngwarwi cautions, “Cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s a business survival strategy. SMEs must act now before an attack wipes out their operations.” For Zimbabwean SMEs, the challenge is clear: balance the promise of AI with proactive security measures to protect customers, data, and the very survival of the business. Failure to do so may turn innovation into vulnerability, with consequences that are both financial and reputational.