Design of Epidemic Computer Virus Model with Effect of Quarantine in the Presence of Immunity

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop an autonomous epidemic virus model to depict the transmission of malicious computer code in active networks with pre-existing immunity and quarantine as effective control strategies. Due to the rapid spread of computer viruses and a delay in the update of antivirus signature database, the role of quarantine as a controlling mechanism has gained importance. The existence of disease free equilibrium point and its stability, as well as the existence of endemic equilibrium point and its stability are explored in terms of basic reproduction number R₀. The model exhibits two equilibria points: disease free equilibrium and endemic equilibrium. Numerical simulations are performed to analyze the dynamics of the model in the presence of controlling mechanisms and in the absence of up-to-date antivirus software in terms of accuracy and convergence. The model interpretation invokes interesting inferences for effective quarantine strategy, with or without immunity and control mechanisms for security holes and zero-day vulnerabilities.