Protecting online information sharing in peer-to-peer (P2P) networks: A proposal for a P2P network security pricing model

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a P2P network security pricing model that promotes more secure online information sharing in P2P networks through the creation of networks with increased resistance to malicious code propagation. Online information sharing is at an all‐time high partly due to the recent growth in, and use of, online peer‐to‐peer (P2P) networks.Design/methodology/approach – The model integrates current research findings in incentive compatible network pricing with recent developments in complex network theory. File download prices in P2P networks are linked to network security using a graph theory measurement called the Pearson coefficient. The Pearson coefficient indicates a structural dimension of scale‐free networks (scale‐free networks like the internet) called preferential attachment. Preferential attachment refers to the network property where the probability for a node to connect to a new node is greater if the new node already has a high number of connections.Findin...

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