As with all aspects of business and the economy, information security is an economic function. Security can be modeled as a maintenance or insurance cost as a relative function but never in absolute terms. As such, security can be seen as a cost function that leads to the prevention of loss, but not one that can create gains (or profit). With the role of a capital investment to provide a return on investment, security is a defense against unforeseen losses that cost capital and reduce profitability.