Abstract

This study examined the effect of cyber security threats on the sustainability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Rivers State, Nigeria. Employing a descriptive survey design, a total of 295 respondents were sampled across selected SMEs using stratified and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered both electronically and physically, focusing on operational performance, financial stability, and longterm business continuity. The study utilised descriptive statistics and simple linear regression to analyse the data. Findings revealed that cyber security threats significantly influence SME sustainability, with regression analysis indicating that 50.7% of the variance in sustainability was attributable to cyber risks (r = 0.712, R² = 0.507, F = 373.21, p < 0.05). Operational performance was significantly affected, with 42.8% of variability explained by cyber threats (r = 0.654, R² = 0.428, F = 258.12, p < 0.05), highlighting downtime, workflow disruption, and reduced productivity. Similarly, financial stability and continuity were notably compromised, as evidenced by r = 0.689, R² = 0.475, F = 317.05, p < 0.05, indicating increased costs, revenue loss, and delayed recovery from cyber incidents. Descriptive analysis revealed that cyber security threats significantly affected SME sustainability, explaining 50.7% of the variance in overall sustainability, 42.8% of the variance in operational performance, and 47.5% of the variance in financial stability and continuity. Frequencies and percentages indicated that respondents strongly agreed that cyber threats reduced business growth, disrupted operations, compromised customer trust, and increased operational costs. The study concluded that cyber security threats are major impediments to SME sustainability in Rivers State, with substantial impacts on operational efficiency, financial stability, and business continuity. Based on these findings, recommendations were made for SME owners, government agencies, educational institutions, and financial organisations to strengthen cybersecurity policies, awareness, and infrastructure. The study contributes to understanding the critical link between cyber threats and SME sustainability, emphasising the need for proactive strategies to safeguard small businesses in increasingly digital environments