A framework for vulnerability management in complex networks

Complex networks model real networks found in a wide range of domains from biological and social to technological environments. Despite this range of applications and contexts in which complex networks are used as models, studies suggest that many real networks are governed by a similar dynamic. An important characteristic is that in general such networks are robust against failures but vulnerable against targeted attacks. On the other hand, ecological and biological systems show a peculiar characteristic: resilience. It means that they have a high capacity to absorb changes without dramatic modifications, probably as a result of learning and adaptation processes. However, resilience mechanisms are not present per se in technological networks. Thus, this work presents a framework for vulnerability assessment and management in technological networks using as insight resilience in ecological and biological systems.