Exploring Scalability and Fast Spreading of Local Preference Worms via Gradient Models

Abstract.

Describing the behaviour of a fast spreading worm in a realistic way has been a difficult task, mainly because of complex interactions between networked hosts. This work elaborates on a recent worm propagation model in order to take into account human-based countermeasures (e.g., patch strategies, firewalls, updating virus scanners, removing hosts from the network) that influence the propagation of local-preference worms in the Internet. Furthermore, the possibility of building a theory of scalability via gradient models is discussed. Analytical results and simulation outcomes that demonstrate the higher propagation rate of local preference worms are also presented.

Key words: Computer Worms; Worm Propagation models; Local Preference Strategies; Scalability

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