In line with a more digitalized world, cyber threats against nations, businesses, and individuals increase. Such threats appear to affect countries around the world, high- as well as low-income countries. This thesis investigates whether and how state support for local and private cybersecurity measures differs between these two economic contexts. A polycentric governance approach is used when analyzing national cybersecurity strategies of Uganda, Sierra Leone, Estonia, and Australia in order to examine the role of the state in ambition setting, coordination, financial support, and regulatory support. 

Through a qualitative content analysis, the findings of this thesis suggest that there exists differences between the approaches of high- and low-income countries, although all four countries engage in state-supported cybersecurity efforts. The low-income countries have a focus on raising public awareness, integrating cybersecurity into education, and encouraging cooperation through state-driven platforms. On the other hand, high-income countries apply with detailed regulatory frameworks, financial commitments, and structured support mechanisms.