Human Factors in Cybersecurity in Icelandic Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

Abstract: Cybersecurity threats are increasing in all aspects of society due to the integration of digital systems into modern-day life and a volatile geo-political landscape. Technical factors are an ongoing arms race; however, the threat surface from human and social factors is still present, often providing malicious actors the means to bypass complex technical security controls. Understanding human factors in light of technical evolution is essential to ensure security controls remain effective. This study presents the results of a survey on cybersecurity challenges within public and private sector organisations, including critical infrastructure providers, in Iceland (N = 130). From the management perspective, human factors were strongly noted as challenges and barriers to their organisations' security. These challenges include a lack of adequate training or awareness, hiring issues, poor cybersecurity culture, and time and/or financial resource constraints. Based on these findings, recommendations for mitigating threats from human factors are derived. These include: prioritising targeted over generic training to reduce employee fatigue, external government support for financially constrained organisations, and building a strong cybersecurity culture through constructive communication around shared responsibilities.