Managerial Strategies Small Businesses Use to Prevent Cybercrime

Managerial Strategies Small Businesses Use to Prevent Cybercrime by Doreen Lynn Maahs MS, Kaplan University, 2014 BS, Lakeland College, 1997 BS, Lakeland College, 1989 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University August 2018 Abstract Estimated worldwide losses due to cybercrime are approximately $375-575 billion annually, affecting governments, business organizations, economies, and society. With globalization on the rise, even small businesses conduct transactions worldwide through the use of information technology (IT), leaving these small businesses vulnerable to the intrusion of their networks. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore theEstimated worldwide losses due to cybercrime are approximately $375-575 billion annually, affecting governments, business organizations, economies, and society. With globalization on the rise, even small businesses conduct transactions worldwide through the use of information technology (IT), leaving these small businesses vulnerable to the intrusion of their networks. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the managerial strategies of small manufacturing business owners to protect their financial assets, data, and intellectual property from cybercrime. The conceptual framework was systems thinking and action theory. Participants included 4 small manufacturing business owners in the midwestern region of the United States. Data were collected via face-toface interviews with owners, company documentation, and observations. Member checking was used to help ensure data reliability and validity. Four themes emerged from the data analysis: organizational policies, IT structure, managerial strategies, and assessment and action. Through effective IT security and protocols, proactive managerial strategies, and continuous evaluation of the organization’s system, the small business owner can sustain the business and protect it against potential cyberattacks on the organization’s network. The findings of the study have implications for positive social change by informing managers regarding (a) the elimination or reduction of cybercrimes, (b) the protection of customers’ information, and (c) the prevention of future breaches by implementing effective managerial strategies to protect individuals in society. Managerial Strategies Small Businesses Use to Prevent Cybercrime by Doreen Lynn Maahs MS, Kaplan University, 2014 BS, Lakeland College, 1997 BS, Lakeland College, 1989 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University August 2018 Dedication To my husband, Carl, you have supported me through this long journey to reach my goal of completion of my doctoral degree. You have endured my stress through the endless process, providing me with the encouragement and support I needed to make it possible to complete my study. Your endless love made it possible for me to reach my goal to finish my doctoral study, and once again obtain the degree needed to become a professor to fulfill my aspirations of allowing me to share the knowledge I have gained through this experience. Acknowledgments I am thankful for the support and encouragement of family members and friends who believed in me. I especially would like to acknowledge my cousin, Debbie, who supported me through this challenging journey and unfortunately passed away from cancer recently. May God bless her and keep her. I know she is the angel that has shined upon me as I completed this doctoral study. Dr. Patsy Kasen, my Walden University chair, continued to support me and her dedication to my success through this journey made it possible for my accomplishment. I sincerely, thank her and will never forget the positive relationship and the kindred spirit between us. She provided me with the encouragement, drive, and fortitude I needed to complete my doctoral study. I can never thank her enough and hope to remain steadfast friends and colleagues. Dr. Cheryl McMahan, my Walden University second committee member, provided me with corrective and valuable feedback to succeed in this doctoral journey. I value every review to help me to reach my goal and wish her the best. Dr. Janet Booker, my Walden University second committee member who replaces Dr. McMahan after she retired. I value your reviews at the end of my journey. Dr. Neil Mathur, my Walden University Research Reviewer, enabled me to transform my doctoral study into a substantial piece of work. Through his commitment to thoroughly reviewing my study, he assisted in transforming my doctoral study into a polished piece of work.