Organizational Aspects of Cyber Security in Family Firms – an Empirical Study of German Companies

Abstract

In the context of increasing digitization and networking, the importance of cyber security is as well growing for family businesses and moving onto the management agenda as a cross-divisional, group-wide challenge. A study of 184 German companies shows that although family businesses identify cyber security as a relevant field of action, they do not sufficiently address the organizational framework and procedural implementation. This paper is dedicated to the examination of this phenomenon. Potential causes of this phenomenon will be discussed. Building on that recommendations for action are given.