Information systems security issues and decisions for small businesses: An empirical examination

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this study is to gather information about information technology (IT) related security issues in small firms in both manufacturing and service.

Design/methodology/approach

Despite its widely acknowledged importance, the academic research in the area of information systems security issues for small businesses is almost negligible. To fill this gap, a questionnaire was mailed to 1,000 small business owners in Lynchburg, Virginia, USA, and 138 valid responses were received.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that the small business owners may have procedures and policies in place and may use technologies to counteract the security threat, but this research raised doubts about their effectiveness.

Originality/value

The data collected through this research will help small business organizations in planning, training, and exploitation of IT.

Citation

Gupta, A. and Hammond, R. (2005), "Information systems security issues and decisions for small businesses: An empirical examination", Information Management & Computer Security, Vol. 13 No. 4, pp. 297-310. https://doi.org/10.1108/09685220510614425