Abstract

Cybersecurity risks are a growing concern across project life cycles, especially as digital dependencies increase. This study presents an integrated model designed to identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks within each phase of a project life cycle, from initiation through closure. Through a combination of qualitative interviews, case studies, and statistical analysis, this study maps specific cyber threats to project phases, analyzes the effectiveness of various cybersecurity software tools (including FireEye, Splunk, and Cylance), and examines the impact of industry type, project duration, and team size on risk levels. The findings reveal that tailored security measures, such as encryption in planning and real-time monitoring during execution, significantly improve risk management outcomes. The proposed model received high ratings from experts for adaptability and risk reduction, providing a practical, structured approach for managing cybersecurity in diverse project environments. This research underscores the importance of phase-specific cybersecurity strategies to enhance data protection and operational continuity.