Mathematical analysis and design of PMTD strategies for an SIRO model of OS virus propagation

This paper mainly aims to explore the propagation behaviors of Operating System (OS) virus in Multi-OSs network, as well as propose virus transmission-suppression strategy based on Platform Moving Target Defense (PMTD). To this end, a dynamical Susceptible-Infected-Removed-Others (SIRO) model is established and analyzed theoretically, including the basic reproduction number, equilibrium point and their stability. Systematic analysis finds that the Operating System virus will die out or persist in the network depending on the basic reproduction number, which is mainly associated with the network topology, Operating System migration frequency and Operating System scale. Two network defense strategies based on Platform Moving Target Defense as well as an Operating System migration management algorithm are proposed, and a set of simulation experiments are designed to verify the effectiveness. Experimental results show that the propagation of Operating System virus can be inhibited effectively by adjusting Operating System migration probability. Besides, proposed methods can replenish the drawback of traditional link interrupt strategy, providing various options for the defense vacuum period of vulnerability patch development.