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The Optimal Defense of Network Connectivity

Author

Listed:
  • Dan Kovenock

    (Economic Science Institute, Argyros School of Business and Economics, Chapman University)

  • Brian Roberson

    (Purdue University, Department of Economics, Krannert School of Management)

Abstract

Maintaining the security of critical infrastructure networks is vital for a modern economy. This paper examines a game-theoretic model of attack and defense of a network in which the defender's objective is to maintain network connectivity and the attacker's objective is to destroy a set of nodes that disconnects the network. The con ict at each node is modeled as a contest in which the player that allocates the higher level of force wins the node. Although there are multiple mixed-strategy equilibria, we characterize correlation structures in the players' multivariate joint distributions of force across nodes that arise in all equilibria. For example, in all equilibria the attacker utilizes a stochastic `guerrilla warfare' strategy in which a single random [minimal] set of nodes that disconnects the network is attacked.

Suggested Citation

  • Dan Kovenock & Brian Roberson, 2015. "The Optimal Defense of Network Connectivity," Working Papers 15-24, Chapman University, Economic Science Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:chu:wpaper:15-24
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    Cited by:

    1. Sonja Brangewitz & Behnud Mir Djawadi & Angelika Endres & Britta Hoyer, 2017. "Network Formation and Disruption - An Experiment - Are Efficient Networks too Complex?," ETA: Economic Theory and Applications 258012, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM).
    2. Shakun D. Mago & Roman M. Sheremeta, 2017. "Multi‐battle Contests: An Experimental Study," Southern Economic Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 84(2), pages 407-425, October.
    3. Alexander Matros & David Michael Rietzke, 2017. "Contests on Networks," Working Papers 156630581, Lancaster University Management School, Economics Department.
    4. Djawadi, Behnud Mir & Endres, Angelika & Hoyer, Britta & Recker, Sonja, 2019. "Network formation and disruption - An experiment are equilibrium networks too complex?," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 157(C), pages 708-734.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Allocation Game; Asymmetric Con ict; Attack and Defense; Colonel Blotto Game; Network Connectivity; Weakest-Link; Best-Shot;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C7 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions

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