Entropy of a Computer Network Under Propagation of Cyber-Attacks
Shiju Rawther, S Sathyalakshmi · International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology · 2023
With the increasing reliance on computer networks for critical infrastructure and information exchange, the security of these networks has become a paramount concern. Cyber-attacks pose a significant threat, capable of exploiting vulnerabilities within a network and causing severe damage. Understanding the dynamics of cyber-attacks and their impact on the entropy of a computer network is crucial for developing effective defense mechanisms. In this research paper, the investigation is done on the entropy of a computer network during the propagation of cyber-attacks. This research paper also proposes a novel framework for modelling the network's entropy dynamics by integrating statistical measures and graph theory. By considering network attributes such as connectivity, traffic patterns, and attack vectors, through this study, a comprehensive approach is developed to quantify the changes in entropy caused by cyber-attacks through extensive simulations on realistic network topologies, analysis of the impact of various types of cyber-attacks on network entropy. The research findings reveal that successful cyber-attacks tend to increase the entropy of a network, indicating a higher degree of disorder and unpredictability. Furthermore, the study reveals that the entropy dynamics are influenced by factors such as attack intensity, attack duration, and the network's inherent resilience. Based on research analysis, it is concluded that an entropy-based metric for assessing network vulnerability to cyber-attacks. This metric allows network administrators to quantify the potential impact of an attack and prioritize security measures accordingly. Moreover, this study has also helped in developing a real-time monitoring system that leverages the entropy metric to detect and respond to ongoing cyber-attacks promptly. This research paper contributes to the understanding of the complex relationship between cyber-attacks and network entropy. By exploring entropy as a measure of disorder in a network, This research paper provides valuable insights for designing resilient and secure computer networks. Ultimately, this work aims to enhance the overall security posture of computer networks and mitigate the risks associated with cyber-attacks. Using compartment labels Susceptible, Infectious, or Recovered, each computer network node can move between these compartments to simulate the propagation of cyber-attacks in a computer network. An attack on a computer network is predicted using a computer model. Propagation entropy can be measured to assess propagation uncertainties even when propagation choices are probabilistic. As part of this study, the compartmental epidemic model's capability has been adopted to prove the ability to predict entropy behaviour under cyber-attack.