Economics of Insecurity

The good and bad of economic inefficieny

Published October 2019

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The information security field is economically inefficient. This is both good and bad. Bad, because it means billions of dollars are squandered on solutions which offer their buyers sub-optimal returns. Good, because the opportunities exist to operate more efficiently and thereby improve the quality of life for everyone.

This paper will examine how we know economic inefficiencies exist and why the industry seems unwilling to address them. By understanding these issues, companies will be better able to select effective IT security solutions that align with their business mission. Readers will also gain insight into how misplaced trust can lead to contradictory market reactions.