Computer Viruses and Other Malicious Software
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Computer Viruses and Other Malicious Software

A Threat to the Internet Economy

Malware attacks are increasing both in frequency and sophistication, thus posing a serious threat to the Internet economy and to national security. This book is a first step toward addressing the threat of malware in a comprehensive, global manner. It informs readers about malware -- its growth, evolution and countermeasures to combat it;  presents new research into the economic incentives driving cyber-security decisions; and  makes specific suggestions on how the international community can better work together to address the problem.

Publication Date :
24 Feb 2009
DOI :
10.1787/9789264056510-en
 
Chapter
 

The Market Consequences of Cybersecurity

Defining Externalities and Ways to Address Them You do not have access to this content

Authors:
OECD
Pages :
139–147
DOI :
10.1787/9789264056510-8-en

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The preceding chapter reported on the efforts and incentives of a variety of Internet market participants. It indicated a number of market-based incentive mechanisms that contribute to enhanced security but also other instances in which decentralised actions may lead to sub-optimal outcomes. A pressing question is: Are participants in the information and communication markets responding adequately to malware, or are improvements possible? Pointing to a variety of reports that show increases in malicious attack trends, one might conclude that markets are not responding adequately. Our analysis revealed a more nuanced picture.