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Resilience to leaking--dynamic systems modeling of information security
1Department of Physics, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany. hamacher@bio.tu-darmstadt.de
Plos One
|December 11, 2012
Summary
Leaking confidential information can paradoxically strengthen targeted organizations. Mathematical modeling suggests leaks are more effective as tactical tools in direct competition, not for broad societal benefit.
Area of Science:
- Information Security
- Mathematical Modeling
- Game Theory
Background:
- Confidential material leaks pose significant information security threats.
- Wikileaks activities highlight the political implications of information dissemination.
- Existing arguments on leaks often use biologistic metaphors focusing on economic advantage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a mathematical model for analyzing the complex dynamics of information leaking.
- To investigate the impact of leaking on organizational security and societal benefit.
- To explore the strategic use of leaks in adversarial relationships.
Main Methods:
- Development of a mathematical model using coupled logistic equations.
- Inclusion of network effects within econo-communication networks.
- Simulation of complex interactions between adversaries.
Main Results:
- Leaking can, under certain conditions, strengthen the defending entity ('conspiracy').
- Severe impact from leaks primarily arises from exploitation by competing entities.
- Leaks may serve as tactical means in direct competition but not necessarily increase public benefit.
Conclusions:
- Information leaks do not inherently increase societal immunization against 'conspiracies'.
- Exploiting competition through 'divide-and-conquer' policies appears more effective for controlling malicious organizations.
- Leaks are best understood as strategic tools within direct adversarial contexts.
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