Influence of removable devices on computer worms: Dynamic analysis and control strategies

Worms spreading via both Web-based scanning and removable devices account for a major part of threats on internet. However, their dynamical behavior and controlling methods remain unclear. As a result, we present a computer worm model incorporating specific features unique to those worms, in this paper. The threshold value R0R0 determining whether the worms die out is obtained. Theoretical analysis shows that if R0<1R0<1 the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable; otherwise, the disease will be prevalent. Additionally, some control strategies are given. Our results are illustrated by numerical simulations.