Mapping Cybersecurity in SMEs: The Role of Ownership and Firm Characteristics in the Silesian Region of Poland
As we move toward a more digitalized and interconnected world, new cybersecurity challenges emerge. While most related research has focused on large companies, this study aims to fill a gap in the literature by exploring cybersecurity issues in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Information |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2078-2489/16/7/590 |
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| Summary: | As we move toward a more digitalized and interconnected world, new cybersecurity challenges emerge. While most related research has focused on large companies, this study aims to fill a gap in the literature by exploring cybersecurity issues in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in relation to nontechnical, soft-skill, and intellectual capital aspects. This study examines the interplay between cybersecurity awareness and perception and ownership structure in SMEs in the Silesian region of Poland. Unlike the majority of cybersecurity literature, our focus is on how ownership structure influences cybersecurity perception. We surveyed 200 SMEs at random within the respective region and utilized hierarchical and simple linear regression analyses to assess the relationships between these factors and financial performance. Our results indicate that larger enterprises and those without a family-owned structure exhibit significantly greater levels of cybersecurity. Additionally, we found a positive correlation between cybersecurity and a firm’s financial performance and overall health. These findings underscore the importance of cybersecurity awareness and practices for the growth and stability of SMEs. |
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| ISSN: | 2078-2489 |