Cybersecurity awareness and business sustainability among small and medium enterprises in Lagos State, Nigeria

The current research sought to assess the relationship between cyber security awareness and business sustainability within small and medium-sized enterprises in Lagos State, Nigeria. With the growing use of technology by SMEs, including online banking, mobile payment services, electronic commerce websites, and cloud computing applications, businesses have been faced with numerous cyber security threats including hacking, phishing, malware infections, ransom ware, and identity theft. Although SMEs are essential for job creation, alleviating poverty, and economic growth in Nigeria, there have been numerous cyber security issues facing many firms due to lack of cyber security awareness, poor training of employees, and inadequate digital security measures. The research used the secondary method of data collection whereby data was collected through information sources such as journals, cyber security reports, government publications, online databases, and other relevant publications. The theoretical foundation of the research was based on the Protection Motivation Theory, which outlines the mechanisms through which organizations take protective measures as a means of minimizing risks. According to the results of the research, cyber security awareness plays a vital role in ensuring business sustainability by helping in achieving continuity, protecting organizational data, increasing customer confidence, minimizing financial losses, and boosting organizational resilience to cyber risks. Also, SMEs that conduct cyber security awareness programs always face little cyber risks and have better performance. The study discovered that cyber security awareness contributes to the long-term sustainability of SMEs in Lagos State. It therefore recommends that SME owners should participate in cyber security awareness programs to reduce their exposure to cyber threats.