Risques à grande échelle dans les systèmes en réseau : quelques interrogations

During the last few years, the connection of complex networks has accelerated in a spectacular manner. Some of the advantages of this increasing use are well-known and are studied by theoretical works (network externalities). Nevertheless, this interconnection has created new types of risks where the potential consequences have themselves evolved into proportions that were unthinkable a few years ago. This note deals with the principle risks of interconnection using a theoretical and empirical approach. By examining concrete cases, we suggest that technological complexity may permit vulnerabilities by allowing dependencies and interdependencies between networks to go unrecognized until a major failure occurs. Once a major failure takes place, the network reacts as a catalyst creating catastrophic consequences. The management of such risks appears even more complicated than these emerging risks in their actual form.
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