The Evolution of Rules and Institutions in Cybersecurity: Cloud Computing and Big Data

Abstract

Cloud computing and big data are likened and equated to the Industrial Revolution. Their transformational natures are, however, associated with significant security and privacy risks. This chapter investigates how the contexts provided by rules and as well as formal and informal institutions affect the perceptions of privacy and security issues in big data and the cloud. It highlights the nature, origin, and implications of institutions in the context of these technologies. A goal of the chapter is also to gain insights into the mechanisms and forces that have brought about institutional changes in the cloud industry. Specifically, we investigate how contradictions generated at various levels by these technologies, the formation of dense networks and relationships and the changing power dynamics have triggered institutional changes. Since the current analysis of the causes and consequences of institutions and institutional change is mainly concerned with more established industries and markets, this chapter is expected to provide insights into institutions surrounding to this new and emerging technological development.