IS Research Seminar (26 November 2008): A/Prof. Michael Kyobe

NOTICE OF RESEARCH SEMINAR
No: 2008. 9

Date: 26 November 2008
Time: 12h30 – 14h00
Venue: Leslie Commerce Building, Upper Campus, Room 6.14
Speaker: A/Prof Michael Kyobe

Topic: An Information Security Evaluation framework for SMEs engaged in E-commerce in South Africa

ABSTRACT

SMEs are a major source of economic development in South Africa. While governments and economists continue to encourage IT adoption by SMEs, limited attention has been directed to the challenges SMEs experience in maintaining security and compliance with regulatory requirements. The investment in information protection by SMEs remains low and is often not evaluated due to lack of appropriate and less costly security evaluation frameworks these organizations can use to address e-security concerns.

This study develops a comprehensive information security evaluation framework managers can use to measure security risks and their impact on SME competitiveness. This framework was validated in a survey of eighty (80) SMEs in different industries in South Africa. The findings indicate that SMEs are increasingly vulnerable to electronic attacks which impacts negatively on business trust and confidence. There are major disparities in the quality of security and regulatory compliance in the service and manufacturing sectors as well as in the rural and urban SMEs. Government support appears to be limited and factors such as lack of security awareness, use of outdated hardware and software, poor records management, negative attitude towards security and regulatory burdens remain major considerations.

SPEAKER

Michael Kyobe is an Associate Professor of Information Systems at UCT. He holds a PhD in Computer Information Systems from the University of Free State in South Africa and an MBA from the University of Durham, United Kingdom. Prior to joining academia, Michael worked in the IS & IT industries in various technical and managerial positions for many years. He has consulted extensively with organisations in the public and private sectors in Strategic Planning and Alignment, Computer Networking, Computer Auditing, Systems Development and Knowledge Management systems. His research interests include: Strategic alignment; Strategic Information Systems Planning; Computer Auditing & Security; IT resource utilization & Knowledge Management.

A finger lunch and refreshments will be provided. To RSVP and for further information on the seminar please call 650 4242 or email: linda.magodla@uct.ac.za