Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>This paper describes the modeling of the propagation of cyber-attacks over a computer network.We considered a propagation model for a cyber-attack on computer networks which can beinterpreted as the generalization of virus propagation on human beings with management side-byside with those of epidemic diseases. The total network was divided into susceptible, exposed,malicious, attacker, removed and destroyed (or non-functional) systems and analysis startedfrom there. Basic characteristics of the solutions such as positivity, boundedness, existence anduniqueness are proved even though notations may be a bit tedious initially. The MFE and MEof the systems have been calculated. The R0 of the system has been computed from the nextgeneration matrix. Local and global stability analysis have been performed. A sensitivity analysisis also performed. The parameters with respect to which the systems is sensitive were identified.It was discovered that the transmission rate among other things plays the most dominant rolein malware propagation, whereas removal and recovery parameters play to reduce the numberof infections spreading in the system. Bifurcation analysis and simulations have also beenperformed. Results from the analysis have shown that vigorous recovery systems and suitablecontrol mechanisms could potentially reduce the spread of attacks.</p>