Network security based on critical node game (cng)

A method implemented in a security node, the method comprising:

• using a topology of a plurality of network nodes and associated network data in a network to simulate a simultaneous and non-cooperative attacker-defender model to assess a security risk associated with each of the plurality of network nodes, where:
• an attacker solves a combinational operation problem based on variables associated with a defender;
• and
• the defender solves a combination operational problem based on variables associated with the attacker;
• determining a Nash Equilibrium, NE, profile that includes:
• a first estimate of a security risk associated with each of the plurality of network nodes from a perspective of the defender that maximizes a defender's payoff based on the simultaneous and non-cooperative attacker-defender model;
• and
• a second estimate of a security risk associated with each of the plurality of network nodes from a perspective of the attacker that maximizes an attacker's payoff based on the simultaneous and non-cooperative attacker-defender model;
• and
• providing a recommendation for at least one critical network node of the plurality of network nodes for adapting a level of security associated with the topology based on the NE profile.