Can small businesses remain cyber secure while relying on personal mobile devices?

Abstract

The use of personal mobile devices by SMEs is widespread, but it raises increasingly pressing cyber security issues. Particular attention in this article is paid to the preparedness of small enterprises to guarantee cyber security as personal mobile devices are used in the workplace. This study explores how the use of personal mobile devices impacts cyber security in small businesses and how errors can be prevented when developing a unifi ed model for managing cyber security risks for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The study employs a descriptive research design, statistical analysis, multiple case studies of cyber security practices in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States; analysis of various strategies and standards; modeling and expert assessment (semi-structured interviews). The uniqueness of the proposed model lies combining integrated strategies and recommendations for managing various cyber security risk factors, thereby enabling SMEs to manage these risks using a holistic approach.