DETERMINING THE MAIN CAUSES THAT LEAD TO CYBERSECURITY RISKS IN SMES

Abstract

The online environment brings business opportunities and connections that can help the development of small and medium companies, but it also contains many risks. The objectives proposed for this research are to identify the main concerns of entrepreneurs regarding cybersecurity and to determine the main causes of cybersecurity risks in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To determine the main causes that lead to the emergence of existing cybersecurity risks in SMEs, the authors conducted primary research, using the survey method through an online questionnaire. Among the research results it can be mentioned the need to strengthen the defense structure against cyberattacks for SMEs. The authors highlighted the issues related to the low level of preparation that entrepreneurs have regarding cyber threats because in a dynamic environment, such as cyberspace, the most vulnerable companies are those that do not invest in the cybersecurity structure.