Cybersecurity and personal data protection from an Italian perspective

The intensive use of the online space if, on the one hand, has generated extensive benefits, on the other it has exposed the society to malicious behaviours, causing a global expansion of computer-based criminal activities. In this respect, the aim of this chapter is twofold. First, it explores the economic costs and benefits faced by private firms in the context of their investments in cybersecurity and personal data security activities. Second, it analyses how the recent legislative innovations on network security, information systems and the protection of personal data may affect firms’ organization of activities aimed at reducing the risk of security breaches. To this end, a case study approach on an Italian firm operating in the security sector is employed.