**3. Technical methodology**

The research methodology describes the methods used to collect and analyze data. The selection of the data collection method depends on the nature, scope, aims, and objectives of the research. In this research, the authors collected the data using secondary and primary data collection methods and analyzed the data to answer the research question. The outcome of this research aims to add new knowledge to the existing literature. The authors used published data in books, government publications, newspapers, magazines, and journals. These sources provided factual data related to the research scope. Finding secondary data with 100 percent applicability to one particular research scope is difficult; therefore, the primary data collection method has also been used in this research. However, the data collected from secondary resources have credibility and contribute to the validity of the research study.

The technical methodology took the form of a survey questionnaire. In order for the authors to deeper understand how SMEs, manage the detection and minimization of malware, the implementation of AI over standard traditional methods are discussed in this paper. The aim of this paper is to understand SMEs' awareness of Machine Learning Cyber Security (MLCS) software packages in SMEs; hence a survey was conducted to observe the uses of MLCS in the protection of data within the SME, against cyber threats as part of the SME cyber security implementations. A survey questionnaire was conducted through market research to a targeted SME audience in Wales. The survey was sent to 600 registered members of the Cyber Resilient Centre (CRC) of Wales. The survey was sent via email. The results showed that 40 people completed the survey with completed answers. The majority of the questions were answered by SME management between the ages of 46–55 and being decision-makers within the business. As part of GDPR, participation was voluntary, and all responses were kept anonymous. Consent was obtained and participants were given the right to withdraw and cancel participation at any one time. Various questions were asked to the SME population members of CRC.
