The Impact of the Network Topology on the Viral Prevalence: A Node-Based Approach

PLoS One. 2015 Jul 29;10(7):e0134507. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134507. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

This paper addresses the impact of the structure of the viral propagation network on the viral prevalence. For that purpose, a new epidemic model of computer virus, known as the node-based SLBS model, is proposed. Our analysis shows that the maximum eigenvalue of the underlying network is a key factor determining the viral prevalence. Specifically, the value range of the maximum eigenvalue is partitioned into three subintervals: viruses tend to extinction very quickly or approach extinction or persist depending on into which subinterval the maximum eigenvalue of the propagation network falls. Consequently, computer virus can be contained by adjusting the propagation network so that its maximum eigenvalue falls into the desired subinterval.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computer Security*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Internet

Grants and funding

LY is supported by China Scholarship Council (grant no. 201406050107) during his visit in Imperial College London. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.