Cyber Security Practices in SMEs: Effects of Different Knowledge Sharing Methods

In many developed countries, the usage of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) has become important in paving the future path in how data is managed and secured in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector. SMEs in these developed countries have created their own cyber regimes around AI and ML. This knowledge is tested daily in how these countries’ SMEs run their businesses and identify threats and attacks, based on the support structure of the individual country. Based on recent changes to the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Brexit, and ISO standards requirements, machine learning cybersecurity (MLCS) adoption in the UK SME market has become prevalent and a good example to lean on, amongst other developed nations. Whilst MLCS has been successfully applied in many applications, including network intrusion detection systems (NIDs) worldwide, there is still a gap in the rate of adoption of MLCS techniques for UK SMEs. Other developed countries such as Spain and Australia also fall into this category, and similarities and differences to MLCS adoptions are discussed. Applications of how MLCS is applied within these SME industries are also explored. The paper investigates, using quantitative and qualitative methods, the challenges to adopting MLCS in the SME ecosystem, and how operations are managed to promote business growth. Much like security guards and policing in the real world, the virtual world is now calling on MLCS techniques to be embedded like secret service covert operations to protect data being distributed by the millions into cyberspace. This paper will use existing global research from multiple disciplines to identify gaps and opportunities for UK SME small business cyber security. This paper will also highlight barriers and reasons for low adoption rates of MLCS in SMEs and compare success stories of larger companies implementing MLCS. The methodology uses structured quantitative and qualitative survey questionnaires, distributed across an extensive participation pool directed to the SMEs’ management and technical and non-technical professionals using stratify methods. Based on the analysis and findings, this study reveals that from the primary data obtained, SMEs have the appropriate cybersecurity packages in place but are not fully aware of their potential. Secondary data collection was run in parallel to better understand how these barriers and challenges emerged, and why the rate of adoption of MLCS was very low. The paper draws the conclusion that help through government policies and processes coupled together with collaboration could minimize cyber threats in combatting hackers and malicious actors in trying to stay ahead of the game. These aspirations can be reached by ensuring that those involved have been well trained and understand the importance of communication when applying appropriate safety processes and procedures. This paper also highlights important funding gaps that could help raise cyber security awareness in the form of grants, subsidies, and financial assistance through various public sector policies and training. Lastly, SMEs’ lack of understanding of risks and impacts of cybercrime could lead to conflicting messages between cross-company IT and cybersecurity rules. Trying to find the right balance between this risk and impact, versus productivity impact and costs, could lead to UK SMES getting over these hurdles in this cyberspace in the quest for promoting the usage of MLCS. UK and Wales governments can use the research conducted in this paper to inform and adapt their policies to help UK SMEs become more secure from cyber-attacks and compare them to other developed countries also on the same future path.

<em>The research was conducted on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Magelang and Temanggung areas. The problem in this study is whether social media and its benefits affect the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). How does the use of social media affect the marketing of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of using social media on the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). to determine the effect of using social media on the marketing of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The method in this research is this research is a descriptive observational research on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Magelang City and Temanggung City. This study uses in-depth interviews and observations of SMEs. Methods of descriptive statistical analysis and qualitative analysis. Results are displayed in tables and graphs. The results show that MSMEs have used social media in developing their business, especially in product introduction and marketing. The most widely used social media are Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp</em>

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are 99.9% of total businesses in Indonesia. Mapping/clustering potential of SMEs that built in accordance with the conditions of the region/administrative, potential resources (commodities) and business units (production centers and groups) can be used as an indicator and the benchmark for guidance, development and supervision in order to strengthen the spine and the national economic structure. Objectives of the study are (1) identify potential SMEs that built in accordance with business information and problems encountered; (2) compile a database of selected target SMEs in the form of statistical profiles that are relevant to the purposes of guidance, development and supervision (success indicators and critical); (3) develop a standard model or alternative development, SMEs development and built a successful surveillance with the potential clustering patterns (base development) in accordance with local circumstances, and economic sectors. In this study used techniques: (1) desk research of secondary data sourced from SMEs that built by PT. Sucofindo and literature on SMEs-related studies conducted; (2) a brief survey to the selected SMEs locations from the point (1) purposively to obtain primary data as a verification activity that is supported by effective semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysis carried out descriptively, both qualitative and quantitative. From the study guidance, development and supervision of SMEs that built by PT Sucofindo available facts and data (information business, determinants, the feasibility of the business sector, loan repayment status and conceptual models) that SMEs that built can be categorized pre-enterprise SMEs and businesses running. Business grouping determines the smoothness of debt servicing. Therefore, in order to establish indicators of the model guidance, development and supervision in accordance with the type of SME, then the PT. Sucofindo requires an assessment system that is easy, fast, accurate, reliable and trustworthy, that can later be used as an effective guide for guidance, development and supervision of SMEs in general and in particular SMEs that built by PT. Sucofindo used a generic approach in business performance indicators that are supported by indicators of business drivers. Model guidance, development and supervision SMEs that has done so far by PT. Sucofindo still be reliable, but for the speed and feasibility of the establishment of SMEs which will be built into the front according to selected economic sectors, would be equipped with an approach that resulted in the studies of guidance, development and supervision, namely the general model of guidance, development and supervision of SMEs that built based on SMEs that built issues, systems of SMEs that built, assumptions, conceptual models and variables that can be measured. Guidance, development and supervision of SMEs that built, with potential cluster approach can be performed on: (1) category of solid natural resources, when positioned on the outskirts of the city and labor intensive, when positioned in the center of town; (2) technical assistance and competency-based according to the phase business. Both of the thing are helping improve the performance and structural improvement of SMEs, increase their competitiveness and resilience of SMEs supported by the core business, supporting business and related businesses intensively interconnected

MSME: Nursery for Entrepreneurshipp: A Legal Perspective

The Indonesian government has always paid considerable attention to the existence and development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This is because the number of MSMEs in Indonesia is very large, and MSMEs are able to absorb a high enough workforce with small business capital that easily adapts to market needs. The current era of digitalization requires MSME players to maximize promotional and marketing activities online. Besides that, MSMEs must obtain basic permits such as IUMK, HS and PIRT permits. Sinar Jaya Jelutung Village is located in Bangka Regency, has 98 MSME units. MSMEs that have pocketed new permits are 34%. The type of MSME cultivated by the community in the Sinar Jaya Jelutung Village is processed food. MSMEs do not yet have an online market place to sell MSME products online. Therefore, there is a need for assistance for MSMEs in the Sinar Jaya Jelutung Village to create technology-based and competitive businesses. To realize this there are several problems that partners (MSMEs) have, namely: lack of knowledge regarding clean standard production processes, and procedures for registration to obtain IUMK, HS and PIRT permits. Another problem that partners have is limited knowledge in using technology for promotion and marketing, so they have not reached a wider market share. Solutions that can be offered are to help partners by increasing knowledge about production processes with clean standards by conducting direct coaching to partners, facilitating the registration of IUMK permits, Certificates of Eligible Hygene Sanitation and PIRT. In order to reach a wider market share and to have strong coordination among MSME players, training was conducted on registration and design of packaging stickers for the promotion and marketing of all MSME products in the Sinar Jaya Jelutung Village. Community service activities with targeted partners for MSME actors in the Sinar Jaya Jelutung Sub-District are running smoothly and well, so they can achieve the set targets. This community service activity is in the form of outreach and direct assistance to target partners. The knowledge and awareness of MSME actors has increased regarding the submission of product legality, at the end of the activity all MSME actors already have NIB and PIRT certificates. Awareness of having attractive and informative packaging stickers is increasing, MSME players have received packaging stickers to support product promotion.

Cyber security has made an impact and has challenged Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in their approaches towards how they protect and secure data. With an increase in more wired and wireless connections and devices on SME networks, unpredictable malicious activities and interruptions have risen. Finding the harmony between the advancement of technology and costs has always been a balancing act particularly in convincing the finance directors of these SMEs to invest in capital towards their IT infrastructure. This paper looks at various devices that currently are in the market to detect intrusions and look at how these devices handle prevention strategies for SMEs in their working environment both at home and in the office, in terms of their credibility in handling zero-day attacks against the costs of achieving so. The experiment was set up during the 2020 pandemic referred to as COVID-19 when the world experienced an unprecedented event of large scale. The operational working environment of SMEs reflected the context when the UK went into lockdown. Pre-pandemic would have seen this experiment take full control within an operational office environment; however, COVID-19 times has pushed us into a corner to evaluate every aspect of cybersecurity from the office and keeping the data safe within the home environment. The devices chosen for this experiment were OpenSource such as SNORT and pfSense to detect activities within the home environment, and Cisco, a commercial device, set up within an SME network. All three devices operated in a live environment within the SME network structure with employees being both at home and in the office. All three devices were observed from the rules they displayed, their costs and machine learning techniques integrated within them. The results revealed these aspects to be important in how they identified zero-day attacks. The findings showed that OpenSource devices whilst free to download, required a high level of expertise in personnel to implement and embed machine learning rules into the business solution even for staff working from home. However, when using Cisco, the price reflected the buy-in into this expertise and Cisco’s mainframe network, to give up-to-date information on cyber-attacks. The requirements of the UK General Data Protection Regulations Act (GDPR) were also acknowledged as part of the broader framework of the study. Machine learning techniques such as anomaly-based intrusions did show better detection through a commercially subscription-based model for support from Cisco compared to that of the OpenSource model which required internal expertise in machine learning. A cost model was used to compare the outcome of SMEs’ decision making, in getting the right framework in place in securing their data. In conclusion, finding a balance between IT expertise and costs of products that are able to help SMEs protect and secure their data will benefit the SMEs from using a more intelligent controlled environment with applied machine learning techniques, and not compromising on costs.

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have a very important role in national economic growth. MSMEs are actually nothing new. However, there are still many rural communities who do not know what MSMEs are and what kinds of businesses are categorized as Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Besides that. Village communities who have become MSME actors experience several problems in developing MSMEs. This lack of knowledge about MSME development strategies is one of the factors causing MSMEs to be difficult to develop in rural areas. Cimaung Village has one MSME in the form of processed tempe. Where this tempeh is processed into various flavored tempeh chips. This is quite good because there has been innovation in the tempe processing. However, the marketing process is still limited, traditionally done in the physical market. Based on this, it is necessary to disseminate information regarding the introduction and strategies regarding the development of this MSME. This socialization aims to provide a brief introduction to MSMEs to people who are not perpetrators of MSMEs, and also provide information on what strategies can make MSMEs grow

Purpose Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) share many of the same cyber security needs and challenges as larger organisations but often have significantly less knowledge and capability to deal with them. A fundamental initial issue can be locating relevant information, with the natural route for SMEs seeking and referring to related guidance found online. This can be challenging considering the volume and variety of sources that can consequently be located. This paper aims to explore the barriers to cyber security adoption faced by SMEs potentially stemming from the coverage, completeness and clarity of online guidance documents. Design/methodology/approach An assessment of over 30 UK-based guidance sources with two subsequent semi-structured interview-based studies with 24 participants (12 providers and 12 SMEs). Findings Results from the assessment reveal that there is significant diversity in the materials that SMEs may be presented with, potentially leading to inconsistent and ill-informed decision-making and confusion. Findings from subsequent interviews highlight the impact of guidance-related vectors when implementing advice. These aspects are exacerbated by SMEs’ reactive needs, internal limitations and awareness of cyber security – hindering their ability to act competently in the context of cyber security. Originality/value This contributes to a limited amount of research of how SMEs seek support for cyber security and the effectiveness and impact of online guidance. It also explores this theme from the viewpoint of SMEs and providers in tandem to offer a deeper understanding of security adoption through their lived experiences.

Objective: This study investigates the key factors that encourage employees to participate in knowledge-sharing activities to improve the performance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia. Research Design & Methods: The research employed a quantitative explanatory design with a cross-sectional survey approach. Primary data were collected from 374 MSME owners in the food and beverage sector. The proposed research model and hypothesised relationships were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings: The results show that tacit and explicit knowledge sharing are influenced by different determinants and lead to different performance outcomes. Trust and employee attitudes strongly promote tacit knowledge sharing, which positively affects marketing performance. Conversely, explicit knowledge sharing is mainly shaped by trust and organisational structure and has a greater impact on financial performance. Overall, the findings illustrate various mechanisms through which knowledge-sharing practices enhance MSME performance. Implications & Recommendations: The study offers useful insights for policymakers in designing policies that support knowledge-sharing initiatives among MSMEs. These policies may help enterprises improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and increase profitability. In addition, this research contributes to the knowledge management literature by proposing a model specifically suited to the Indonesian MSME context. Contribution & Value Added: By distinguishing between tacit and explicit knowledge sharing, this study extends existing research through an empirical model that demonstrates how different organisational and individual factors shape knowledge-sharing behaviour and generate varied performance outcomes, thereby reinforcing knowledge management theory in small business settings.

In every economy of the world, the impact of the SME is not taken for granted as for all healthy economy, there must be a healthy SME due to the fact that, their contribution to the production volumes in terms of exports, innovations and the entrepreneur skills is vital for every economy to grow. There is a reasonable level of agreement among policy makers, theorists, economists, and business experts that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are drivers of economic growth. SMEs’ access to credit has been a serious subject of debates to policy makers and researchers of both developed and developing economies based on the pivotal and significant role of SMEs’ in growing the private sector as well as the global economies as an extension to the nations. Hence, there is a need to examine the bank lending capacities to the SMEs’ in Nigeria and its effects on the Nigerian business environment, the impact of financial crisis in Nigeria on SMEs’ access to bank credit, in addition, to determine the impact of SMEs’ on the Nigerian economy. The study employed the use of secondary source of data in the relevant literatures and data generated from the Central Bank of Nigeria Bulletin, 2016 on Credit Accessibility to the SME sector in Nigeria from the year 1992-2015. An econometric analysis was used specifically regression analysis. The result confirmed that Bank lending capacity as one of the factors of financial crisis does affect the SMEs access to credit, and there is a strong and positive relationship between the SMEAC, Foreign Direct Investment, Interest Rate and Inflation while there is a strong and negative relationship between the SMEAC, GDP Total, CBTC and the Money Supplied. However, there is a weak relationship between the SMEAC and the SMEGDP and CBLSME. The result indicates that, as the Interest Rate and Inflation continue to increase it has a negative influence on the SMEs access to credit through the commercial banks. It is recommended to the Nigerian government that, economic policies that would favour the establishment of more SMEs with access to flexible credit facilities be made. In addition, the government needs to improve on the commercial bank lending capacities to the SMEs as this when positively managed will positively influence the contribution of the SMEs GDP Keywords : Financial Crisis, credit Accessibility, small and medium enterprises DOI : 10.7176/RJFA/10-1-05

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that use a digitalized financial reporting system can gain easier access to financial services. Structured and accurate financial reports can assist them in applying for loans or obtaining financial support from financial institutions or investors. This study aimed to explore the use of digitizing financial reports for MSMEs in Tulungagung Regency, Indonesia. This study is qualitative observational research. The data used in this study are primary data and secondary data. As many as 30 MSMEs in the culinary field, which are still operating in Tulungagung in 2023, were included in this study. MSMEs are not yet optimal in utilizing digitization due to several reasons, including limited MSME resources, lack of understanding, and limited knowledge of MSME owners who may not have sufficient understanding of the benefits and process of digitizing financial statements and fear of data security and confidentiality. MSMEs may worry about the security of their data when using digitization systems, preference for conventional methods, implementation of digitization systems requires adjustment and integration with existing systems in MSMEs, technical challenges such as inadequate technological infrastructure, limited internet access, or lack of technical skills in operating the system can be an obstacle for MSMEs to use digitization of financial statements.

MSMEs are vital to Indonesia's economy, making a substantial contribution to GDP and employment. Nevertheless, a number of MSME players encounter obstacles such restricted capital availability, weak financial management abilities, and a lack of appropriate business mentoring. This study aims to analyze the role of the Cooperative, MSME, and Labor Department of Palu City in empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) actors in 2022. The method used is descriptive with a qualitative approach. Data sources in this study consist of primary and secondary data. Primary data was obtained through direct interviews with staff of the Cooperative, MSME, and Labor Department of Palu City who work in the MSME field. Secondary data was obtained from official documents and archives (RSIP) owned by the department, particularly those related to MSME empowerment programs. Data collection techniques used include interviews, documentation, and collection of related documents from relevant agencies. Research results show that the Cooperative, MSME, and Labor Department of Palu City has implemented various empowerment programs, such as providing equipment and capital assistance, as well as business mentoring. The total business capital funds distributed to 1,101 MSME actors reached Rp2,202,000,000, and equipment assistance was adjusted according to each type of business. This program positively impacts MSME growth and poverty reduction in Palu City, despite challenges like low awareness of training, uneven mentoring, and limited capacity in business management and financial recording. Therefore, more intensive, integrated, and sustainable empowerment strategies are needed to optimally improve MSME capacity and competitiveness.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) contribute over 70% of jobs, contribute to GDP, aid industrial development, satisfy local demand for services, innovate and support large firms with inputs and services. However, the SMEs in Mombasa County are constantly faced with the threat of failure where three out five fails at infancy. The study investigated the influence of economic factors (taxation, finance access and wages and unemployment) on growth of SMEs in Kenya, in Mombasa County. The specific objectives of the study were; to explore the effect of taxation on growth of SMEs, to find out the effect of Financial Access on growth of SMEs, to determine the effect of wages on growth of SMEs operating, and to evaluate the effect of general unemployment on growth of SMEs operating in Mombasa County. This study employed the institutional theory of growth, the Schumpeter theory of growth and the Endogenous growth theory anchored the study. An explanatory research design was used so as to meet the research objectives. The target population was 54,245 registered SMEs and a sample size of 246 was derived using the Cochran, statistical formula. The list of registered SMEs in Mombasa formed the study population. A Systematic Random Sampling was used from a sample of 246 SMEs was drawn. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Multiple regression Analysis technique was the main technique to find the effect of social economic factors on SME growth. to analyze the data using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences with a significance level set at 0.05. Findings showed that SE conditions are just modest level. Correlation results showed that Taxation conditions (r=.344, p=.000), Financial Access (r=.430, p=.000), Wages affordability (r=.241, p=.000) are positively and significantly correlated with SME growth. Regression results showed that SE factors; Taxation conditions (=.268, p=.000), Financial Access ( =.383, p=.000), Wages ( =.182, p=.015) and Unemployment ( = -.170, p=.045) has significance effect on SMEs growth. Conclusions; Socioeconomic can reverse the current trend of high SMEs failure rate. Socioeconomic factors can buck the present trend of a high failure rate among SMEs. The study recommended that the county and national governments should implement measures enhancing tax benefits for SMEs such as utilizing the taxes prudently. Additionally, the SMEs should adopt strategies that enhance internal financial capabilities so as to incase their revenue streams. Moreover, it is recommended the SMEs to have a working and sustainable wage policy that is able to attracts and keeps talented workforce and therefore ensure continued business growth. By using a multi-sectoral approach, both local and national governments should prioritize and focus on short- and long-term policies that lower the rising rates of unemployment.

PurposeThe primary aim of this research is to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the essential elements of Industry 4.0 implementation within Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Acknowledging the MSME sector as a crucial contributor to the Indian economy and industrial development, the study delves into the assessment of MSMEs based on Industry 4.0 components. Additionally, it explores the profound impact of these components on various performance factors, including organizational performance, sustainability performance and human-related aspects. The paper further ranks these identified components based on their significance within the MSME sector.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a combination of methodological approaches, the research utilizes the Best and Worst Method (BWM), Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and calculates the Maturity Index for Industry 4.0 components. The BWM, a recognized multi-criteria decision-making technique, is initially applied to determine the weights and rankings of the identified components. Furthermore, the study evaluates 30 MSMEs, spanning manufacturing and service sectors, through the DEA approach. Industry 4.0 components are treated as inputs, and performance factors serve as outputs. Data for the analysis are collected through questionnaires distributed to the selected MSMEs. Lastly, the Maturity Index for MSMEs is also calculated.FindingsFrom the result of the BWM method “assistive manufacturing” was found to be a highly weighted key component of Industry 4.0. From the DEA analysis out of 30 MSMEs 13 SMEs were highlighted as being efficient, whereas 17 MSMEs were judged to be inefficient. Furthermore, from the maturity index calculation, overall Maturity Index was determined to be 3.33 which shows that Industry 4.0 is in its initial stage of implementation, but it has gained pace in its implementation.Practical implicationsThe research contributes to practical implications by offering a more accurate assessment of the state of Industry 4.0 implementation within MSMEs. The introduced maturity index proves instrumental in pinpointing key components that have received inadequate attention. This information is crucial for MSME managers and policymakers, guiding them in allocating resources effectively, addressing areas requiring attention and facilitating progress in the implementation of Industry 4.0. The study serves as a valuable tool for MSMEs to enhance their overall operational efficiency.Originality/valueThe research’s originality lies in its application of a comprehensive approach, combining BWM, DEA and the introduction of a maturity index for Industry 4.0 components in the MSME context. By employing these methodologies, the study not only identifies influential components but also provides a nuanced understanding of their relative significance. The research contributes significantly to the broader understanding of Industry 4.0 adoption, particularly, in the vital MSME sector within the Indian context. The findings are valuable for researchers, practitioners and policymakers seeking insights into improving the efficiency and effectiveness of MSMEs in the era of Industry 4.0.

The happiness level of MSME actors determines the regional economy. Small business innovation is the driving force behind MSMEs' happiness and business continuity. Business units classified as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are the locomotives of the regional and national economies. This study aimed to analyze the influence of cultural capital and community involvement on the well-being of MSMEs either directly or through MSME innovation. This study was conducted on MSME agents. Data was collected through questionnaires from 350 MSME agents and 150 MSME agents, and data analysis was performed using the SEM PLS. The study results indicate that cultural capital and community involvement have a positive and significant impact on the innovations undertaken by MSMEs. The cultural capital and innovation of MSMEs have a positive and significant effect on the happiness of MSMEs. In contrast, the role of community participation has an insignificant effect on the happiness of MSMEs. MSME innovation controls the impact of cultural capital on MSME welfare with partial mediation, and MSME innovation controls the impact of public engagement on MSME welfare with complete mediation.