Unveiling the Impact of Ownership Structure on SMEs’ Cybersecurity Perceptions

Abstract

As we move towards a more digitalized and interconnected world, new cybersecurity challenges emerge. While most research focuses on large companies, this study aims to fill a gap in the existing literature by exploring cybersecurity issues in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in relation to non-technical, soft-skill, and intellectual capital aspects. This study examines the interplay between cybersecurity awareness, 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 risk perception. We surveyed 200 SMEs 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 higher 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.