Implementation of Cybersecurity Situation Awareness Model in Saudi SMEs

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are witnessing rapid growth in technology and innovation. However, this growth is accompanied by increased cybersecurity threats, which pose significant challenges for SMEs. Cyber threats are becoming more complex and sophisticated, with SMEs becoming prime targets due to their weaker cybersecurity defenses. Hence, there exists a rich literature on critical challenges facing SMEs. Existing literature on these challenges addresses many research issues (e.g., finance, technology adoption, and management) associated with SMEs. However, one critical issue that has so far received no rigorous attention is cybersecurity situation awareness for research in the SME context. Thus, this study used a quantitative approach aiming to empirically test a model of cybersecurity situational awareness that can support SMEs in Saudi Arabia to implement cybersecurity measures and precautions with efficacy. An online survey of 350 participants was conducted to collect the research data. The study identified a significant positive relationship between Cyber Situational Awareness (Csa) and Implementation of Cybersecurity Controls (Icsc), suggesting that enhancing awareness can contribute to better control implementation. The study identified a significant positive relationship between Cyber Situational Awareness (Csa) and Implementation of Cybersecurity Controls (Icsc), suggesting that enhancing awareness can contribute to better control implementation. Finally, the paper provides several interesting findings and outlines future research directions.