Comparative Evaluation of Organizational Strategies in Addressing Cybersecurity Challenges and Data Protection

Abstract

This study aims to conduct a comparative evaluation of organizational strategies in addressing cybersecurity challenges and data protection to identify the most effective methods for mitigating cyber threats. This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with 26 cybersecurity experts from organizations based in Tehran. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. The collected data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis with NVivo software. The results revealed that organizations utilize a combination of technical, managerial, legal, and cultural strategies to counter cyber threats. In the technical domain, key measures included continuous infrastructure updates, multi-factor authentication, and self-healing systems. In the managerial domain, developing security policies, employee training, and crisis management were identified as crucial strategies. Moreover, compliance with privacy regulations and the implementation of security standards in the legal domain, alongside fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, were recognized as significant factors in reducing cyber risks. The findings underscore the necessity of adopting a comprehensive and multilayered approach to cybersecurity management. Integrating advanced technologies, implementing effective security policies, providing continuous employee training, and ensuring regulatory compliance can help organizations mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities.