Unveiling Regional Disparities: Exploring Cybersecurity Capabilities and Performance Through Systems Theory Approach

ABSTRACT This study investigates the relationship between cybersecurity capabilities (CCs) and cybersecurity performance (CP) across diverse regional contexts, employing ordinary least squares (OLS) and random forest (RF) regression models. The research highlights how economic, political and cultural factors shape CCs and their impact on CP, emphasizing the need for tailored cybersecurity strategies. Key findings reveal that the effectiveness of CCs is influenced by regional dynamics, with significant variations in priorities and practices across Asia‐Pacific, Central America, North America, South America, Africa and Western Europe. In particular, the study identifies that technical aspects such as engineering cybersecurity requirements and improving cybersecurity are critical in some regions, while other regions face challenges related to stakeholder management and planning. This study contributes to systems theory by integrating the viable system model (VSM) and soft systems methodology (SSM) to provide a holistic framework for understanding and optimizing CCs. This approach underscores the importance of adapting organizational strategies to regional contexts, considering economic conditions, political influences and cultural differences. The findings offer practical implications for practitioners, including the need for continuous education, customized strategies and collaborative efforts to address evolving cybersecurity threats. By adopting a systems‐based perspective, organizations can enhance their cybersecurity resilience and effectiveness in managing regional and global challenges.