An introduction to key themes in the economics of cyber security

Neil Gandal*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Software security is an important concern for vendors, consumers, and regulators since attackers who exploit vulnerabilities can cause significant damage. In this brief paper, I discuss key themes in the budding literature on the economics of cyber-security. My primary focus is on how economics incentives affect the major issues and themes in information security. Two important themes relevant for the economics of cyber security issues are (i) a security externality and (ii) a network effect that arises in the case of computer software. A nascent economics literature has begun to examine the interaction between vulnerability disclosure, patching, product prices and profits.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCyber Warfare and Cyber Terrorism
PublisherIGI Global
Pages78-82
Number of pages5
ISBN (Print)9781591409915
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An introduction to key themes in the economics of cyber security'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this