Privacy and Security in Databank Systems: Measures of Effectiveness, Costs, and Protector-Intruder Interactions

The problem of providing cost-effective data security safeguards in personal information databanks is addressed. A structural model of databank systems is formulated, the role of its elements in providing, or threatening, of data privacy and security are discussed, and a suitable classification system is established. Within this framework, a model of the economic interactions of the databank protector and potential intruders is developed. The variables of this model are the value of information to the subjects, protector and intruders; expenditures by the protector and the intruder; and effectiveness of data security as well as intrusion techniques. Various relevant characteristics of these variables and their relationships are discussed. (Author)