Secure synchronization control for complex dynamic networks with event-triggered communication strategy under multi-channel denial-of-service attacks

Abstract

This article addresses the secure synchronization problem for complex dynamical networks (CDNs) with observer-based event-triggered communication strategy (ETCS) under multi-channel denial-of-service attacks (MCDSAs). Due to external environmental interference, the observers are designed to accurately estimate the state of the network systems. Meanwhile, the impact of cyber attacks on system security is considered. Differing from other studies, MCDSAs in this paper are considered, which present the interference of malicious attacks on the communication topology, observers and controllers. Based on the characteristics of cyber attacks, the model for CDNs with nonperiodic switching topology is established, and the observer-based intermittent control is proposed to achieve synchronization of CDNs. To decrease the network communication frequency and reduce the risk of cyber attacks, a new ETCS depending on estimate states is designed. Then, using Lyapunov stability theory, several synchronization conditions depending on the status parameters of MCDSAs are deduced, which may estimate the allowable ranges for the duration and frequency of MCDSAs. From these theoretical results, it can be observed that the destructive power of network attacks increases exponentially with the increase of attack duration. Finally, from simulation experiments, the availability of the designed controller and communication strategy is verified, which can ensure the synchronization for CDNs with MCDSAs.