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Dynamic competition in IT security: A differential games approach

Author

Listed:
  • Tridib Bandyopadhyay

    (Kennesaw State University)

  • Dengpan Liu

    (Iowa State University)

  • Vijay S. Mookerjee

    (The University of Texas at Dallas)

  • Allen W. Wilhite

    (University of Alabama at Huntsville)

Abstract

Hackers evaluate potential targets to identify poorly defended firms to attack, creating competition in IT security between firms that possess similar information assets. We utilize a differential game framework to analyze the continuous time IT security investment decisions of firms in such a target group. We derive the steady state equilibrium of the duopolistic differential game, show how implicit competition induces overspending in IT defense, and then demonstrate how such overinvestment can be combated by innovatively managing the otherwise misaligned incentives for coordination. We show that in order to achieve cooperation, the firm with the higher asset value must take the lead and provide appropriate incentives to elicit participation of the other firm. Our analysis indicates that IT security planning should not remain an internal, firm-level decision, but also incorporate the actions of those firms that hackers consider as alternative targets.

Suggested Citation

  • Tridib Bandyopadhyay & Dengpan Liu & Vijay S. Mookerjee & Allen W. Wilhite, 2014. "Dynamic competition in IT security: A differential games approach," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 16(4), pages 643-661, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:infosf:v:16:y:2014:i:4:d:10.1007_s10796-012-9373-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s10796-012-9373-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Xing Gao & Weijun Zhong, 2015. "Information security investment for competitive firms with hacker behavior and security requirements," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 235(1), pages 277-300, December.
    2. Xiaotong Li & Qianyao Xue, 2021. "An economic analysis of information security investment decision making for substitutable enterprises," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 42(5), pages 1306-1316, July.
    3. Xing Gao & Weijun Zhong, 2016. "Economic incentives in security information sharing: the effects of market structures," Information Technology and Management, Springer, vol. 17(4), pages 361-377, December.
    4. Zenan Zhou & Xiang Wan, 2022. "Does the Sharing Economy Technology Disrupt Incumbents? Exploring the Influences of Mobile Digital Freight Matching Platforms on Road Freight Logistics Firms," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 31(1), pages 117-137, January.
    5. Xing Gao & Weijun Zhong, 2016. "A differential game approach to security investment and information sharing in a competitive environment," IISE Transactions, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 48(6), pages 511-526, June.
    6. S. Rasoul Etesami & Tamer Başar, 2019. "Dynamic Games in Cyber-Physical Security: An Overview," Dynamic Games and Applications, Springer, vol. 9(4), pages 884-913, December.
    7. Yuntao Bai & Qiang Wang & Yueling Yang, 2022. "From Pollution Control Cooperation of Lancang-Mekong River to “Two Mountains Theory”," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-24, February.

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