CHALLENGES SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES (SMES) FACE IN IMPLEMENTING EFFECTIVE CYBERSECURITY MEASURES IN AWKA SOUTH LGA

Abstract

Background: Cybersecurity protocol adherence among SMEs appears to be low, with consequences that can negatively affect business operations and profitability. Despite increasing digitalization of business operations, many SMEs still operate without formal cybersecurity policies, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Objective: This study examined the consequences of lack of awareness and compliance with cybersecurity protocols among Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Anambra State, as well as measures to address these challenges. Methods: The study adopted a mixed-methods research design. A sample size of 184 respondents was determined using the Taro Yamane formula, drawn from a population of 1,902 registered SMEs in Awka South LGA. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select respondents across seven towns and fourteen business locations. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency distributions and percentages), while qualitative data were gathered through six in-depth interviews (IDIs) with business owners and managers and analyzed using thematic analysis. The Resource-Based Theory (RBT) was adopted as the theoretical framework. Findings: Training and awareness programs were identified as the most important solutions, followed closely by government support and subsidized cybersecurity tools.