Lu-Xing Yang

Optimal control of computer virus under a delayed model

This paper addresses the issue of how to suppress the spread of computer virus by means of the optimal control method. First, a controlled delayed computer virus spread model is established. Second, an optimal control problem is formulated by making a tradeoff between the control cost and the control effect. Third, the optimal control strategies are theoretically investigated. Finally, it is experimentally shown that the spread of infected nodes can be suppressed effectively by adopting an optimal control strategy.

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

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.

The spread of computer viruses under the influence of removable storage devices

Abstract Removable storage devices provide a way other than the Internet for the spread of computer viruses. However, nearly all previous epidemiological models of viruses considered only the Internet route of spread of viruses, neglecting the removable device route at all. In this paper, a new spread model of viruses, which incorporates the effect of removable devices, is suggested. Different from previous models, the epidemic threshold for this model vanishes. Moreover, the model admits a unique virose equilibrium, which is shown to be globally asymptotically stable. This result implies that any effort in eradicating viruses cannot succeed. By analyzing the respective influences of system parameters, a number of policies are recommended so as to restrict the density of infected computers to below an acceptable threshold.