Digitalization and Cybersecurity Concerns in SMEs

Umar Abubakar Saleh () and Saibu Olufemi
Additional contact information
Umar Abubakar Saleh: Prince Abubakar Audu University, Centre for Atmospheric Research
Saibu Olufemi: University of Lagos, Department of Economics

A chapter in Behavioral Cybersecurity and Ethical AI in Relational Economics Context, 2026, pp 233-244 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract In the modern era of the digital economy, where emerging digital technologies are opening significant market prospects for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and establishing new businesses. SME digitization has become an innovative method for enterprises to acquire competitive advantages in an environment of intense and dynamic market competition. However, vulnerability to digital security risks. SMEs must successfully manage cybersecurity risks to profit from the digital revolution as they connect to the global community and adopt new digital solutions. SMEs, like bigger organizations, deal with sensitive data and suffer considerable reputational and financial threats in the case of a data breach. SMEs may lack in-house cybersecurity knowledge, making developing and implementing effective security plans challenging. Without requisite skills, discovering vulnerabilities and applying adequate security controls becomes difficult. Employees have a significant role in ensuring robust cybersecurity policies. However, several SMEs lack the proper security awareness for their employees. SMEs need to emphasize security awareness and provide best practices training to their staff. This chapter aims to explore a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that will align with SMEs’ goals and risk appetite. This strategy will detail the security controls, incident response methods, and recovery mechanisms in case of cyber threats. Adopting an incident response plan can help reduce the impact of cybersecurity risks and guarantee an appropriate response.

Keywords: Digitalization; Cybersecurity; SMEs; Risks (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-032-01214-2_10

Ordering information: This item can be ordered from
http://www.springer.com/9783032012142

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-01214-2_10

Access Statistics for this chapter

More chapters in Springer Books from Springer
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sonal Shukla () and Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing ().