A dynamic model of viruses with the effect of removable media on a computer network with heterogeneous immunity

Abstract

In this paper, we build a mathematical model to study the impact of external removable devices on a network with weakly- and strongly-protected computers. The model describes the dynamics between weak, strong, infected computers and susceptible, infected removable media. Analytical investigations of the model produce two equilibrium points: virus-free and endemic. Moreover, we investigate the local and global stability of both equilibria. The existence and stability conditions of the equilibrium points depend primarily on the basic reproduction number (R) of the model. Furthermore, we perform numerical simulations to substantiate the analytical results. Also, a sensitivity analysis is carried out to examine the critical parameters that lead to strategies to control the dissipation of viruses.