Book excerpt: This book provides you with a clear overview of the legal and public policy issues associated with computer network and electronic transaction security. It identifies the various forms of potential legal and commercial liability associated with failures of computer network and electronic security, and advises you of what legal claims may be raised, by whom, and the potential impact of these claims. Methods to reduce or eliminate liability are discussed, presenting practical, operational guidance to help you. The book also describes the legal rights of computer system and electronic commerce operators that can be applied to help preserve security and to recover in the event that security is breached. This discussion of legal rights includes advice on how you can effectively enforce your rights. The focus is on legal rights and responsibilities associated with private networks, Internet service providers, commercial Web sites, business-to business industry online commerce exchanges, and Internet auctions systems. Civil, criminal, and regulatory legal requirements are examined with a discussion of applicable U. S and foreign legal concerns.