Towards roles and responsibilities in a cyber security awareness framework for South African Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs)

Abstract

Internet users including Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) can access a variety of global opportunities through cyberspace however SMMEs are also targets of cyber-attacks, although they do not have adequate information technology (IT) skills and financial support to prevent prevalent cyber threats. The main aim of this research study is to identify and propose roles and responsibilities for the cyber security awareness framework for SMMEs. A scoping literature review was conducted to collect and analyse existing studies within the research domain of cyber security awareness towards SMMEs in developing countries. These studies were analysed to identify roles and responsibilities which contributes towards improving the culture of cyber security awareness in South Africa, specifically within SMMEs. These roles and responsibilities are important for the successful implementation of the cyber security awareness framework within SMMEs. The proposed roles also enable collaboration towards the development and rollout strategy of the cyber security awareness within SMMEs.