The centrality of cybersecurity: business models, competitive strategies and sustainability practices

Purpose Cybersecurity has evolved from a technical function to a critical factor for business success. This paper provides a focused analysis of how emerging technologies—artificial intelligence (artificial intelligence), blockchain, and cloud-based Business Process Management tools—impact internal business processes. Design/methodology/approach This study explores the strategies adopted by ten leading global cybersecurity companies through a multiple case study design based on Gioia-inspired document analysis (2018–1024). The methods of collecting data related to the companies considered are multiple and include annual reports, sustainability reports, and online databases. Findings These technologies are shown to enhance threat detection, compliance, workflow automation, and decision-making efficiency, thus transforming cybersecurity capabilities into a strategic asset. The research highlights how business process innovation, driven by digital technologies, contributes to long-term differentiation and resilience in an increasingly complex and competitive environment. The analysis, which focuses only on companies with the largest market capitalizations, highlights a transformative approach that marks a shift towards a future in which cybersecurity is and will increasingly be a priority. Originality/value This study provides a novel contribution by integrating a comparative analysis of the business models, competitive strategies, and sustainability practices of ten leading cybersecurity firms, an approach not yet systematically explored in existing literature. By examining how emerging technologies are reshaping internal processes, the paper bridges gaps between strategic management, digital transformation, and sustainability. It offers new theoretical and managerial insights into how these technologies can be leveraged as key drivers of competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.