A New Framework to Quantifying the Economic Impacts of Cyberattacks on Aviation Systems: A Korean Game-Theoretic Interregional Economic Model

Abstract

This study suggests a framework quantifying a cyberattack on the Korean airport security system. Recent cyberattacks on nuclear power plants in South Korea and a serious cyberattack on Sony Pictures in the USA indicate possible invasion to an airport electronic system because the invasion would not have any border or entry point. Korea governments must consider this complex process that may cause turmoil once occurred. This complicated situation highlights the need for improved intergovernmental collaboration within the Korean territory. First, to avoid cyberterrorist threats, it is essential to coordinate intergovernmental network closely. Designing this network should consider delivering both a competitive game between attackers and defenders and a cooperative game between governments. Second, because an airport shutdown that is only located in a certain area would cause ripple impacts throughout other domestic (and international) economies, the Korean interregional input–output model should be combined to capture this type of ripple impacts. A new framework suggested as the Korean game-theoretic interregional economic model contributes to understanding strategies in cyberterror security and identifying the probabilistic economic costs on a South Korean airport closure by place of event and by type of industry. Using the identified equilibrium strategies for the Korean airport protection, a general guideline to evaluate resource allocation can be passed onto the South Korean government agencies.