The spreading of computer viruses on time-varying networks

Abstract

Social networks are the prime channel for the spreading of computer viruses. Yet the study of their propagation neglects the temporal nature of social interactions and the heterogeneity of users' susceptibility. Here, we introduce a theoretical framework that captures both properties. We study two realistic types of viruses propagating on temporal networks featuring Q categories of susceptibility and derive analytically the invasion threshold. We found that the temporal coupling of categories might increase the fragility of the system to cyber threats. Our results show that networks' dynamics and their interplay with users features are crucial for the spreading of computer viruses.