An epidemic model to analyze the dynamics of malware propagation in rechargeable wireless sensor network

Abstract

Wireless sensor network (WSN) comprises thousand sensor nodes, which exchange data from each other. Sensor network faces different types of problem such as energy constraint as well as malware attacks. The malware (virus, malicious codes, Trajan horse, worm, etc.) targets sensor node of WSN straightforwardly owing to constraint of resources. The spreading behavior of the malware is similar to the virus spreading in susceptible population. Therefore, prevention method is needed against malware attack in WSN. In this paper, we proposed an epidemic based model which describes the propagation dynamics of malware and depletion of sensor nodes’ energy due to malware attack. Security issue along with energy depletion of sensor node is addressed. The method of low energy sensor nodes charging is considered. The proposed model with consideration of low energy is SILRD (Susceptible-Infectious–Low Energy–Recovered–Dead) model. The charging method of sensor nodes with low energy is incorporated. To describe the dynamics of malware spreading and effect of charging constructed a set of differential equations. The deterrence technique of malware dissemination in WSN is explained. And the effect of charging on WSN is also discussed. The basic reproduction number of the model is also calculated which is used in the analysis of prominence of malware spreading. The points of equilibrium of the system have obtained for malware-free and endemic. And stability condition of WSN and related theorems are discussed in details. The proposed model has been substantiated by simulation results.