SYSTEM MAINTENANCE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH COMPUTER VIRUSES: AN EXPLORATORY INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VIRUS COSTS AND BUSINESS CHARACTERISTICS

摘要

In the this study, survey data from a sample of 134 businesses is used to explore the magnitude of the system maintenance costs associated with viruses, and the relationship between those costs and business characteristics. It was found that roughly 10 percent of a business's system maintenance budget is consumed by issues relating to viruses. The business characteristics found to be related to virus costs included IS staff responsibility for maintenance, and five measures of concern for intangible costs associated with implementing a new information system. Implications for future research are discussed.