Understanding the Impact of Overlay Topologies on Peer-to-Peer Worm Propagation

The growing popularity of peer-to-peer (P2P) systems provides an ideal venue for worm propagation. As a kind of topological worms, the propagation of P2P worms is tightly related with the overlay topology of the P2P system. Therefore, understanding the relationship between the P2P worm propagation and the overlay topologies is very important. In this paper, through simulation, incorporated with classical theoretical analysis, a study of the impact of overlay topologies on P2P worm propagation is conducted. A series of interesting conclusions are drawn from the study which help us to understand the P2P worm propagation characteristics and provide valuable guidelines for P2P worm defense strategies design.