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Email networks and the spread of computer viruses
M E J Newman1, Stephanie Forrest, Justin Balthrop
1Santa Fe Institute, 1399 Hyde Park Road, New Mexico 87501, USA.
Computer viruses exploit email address books to spread, forming a social network. Understanding this network structure is key to preventing future virus epidemics.
Area of Science:
- Computer Science
- Network Science
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Computer viruses frequently utilize email to propagate.
- Email address books serve as a primary source for identifying new targets.
- This creates a directed social network facilitating virus transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To empirically investigate the structural properties of email-based social networks.
- To analyze how these network structures influence computer virus spread.
- To discuss implications for computer virus epidemic prevention.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of network structure using empirical data.
- Data drawn from a large-scale computer installation.
- Examination of directed connections within email address books.
Main Results:
- The study reveals specific structural characteristics of the email social network.
- These characteristics directly impact the dynamics of computer virus propagation.
- Findings provide insights into the pathways of virus spread.
Conclusions:
- The structure of email-based social networks significantly affects computer virus epidemics.
- Understanding network topology is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
- Empirical analysis offers a foundation for enhanced cybersecurity measures.
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