POSTPONED: Epidemics in Technological and Social Networks: The Downside of Six Degrees of Separation

Abstract

Note: this talk is *postponed* and will be rescheduled soon--

Abstract: During the past decade, complex networks have become increasingly important in information technology, communication and commerce. Vast, self-engineered networks, like the Internet, the World Wide Web, and instant messaging networks and online social networks, have facilitated the flow of information, and served as media for social and economic interaction. Unfortunately, many of the properties that facilitate information transmission also facilitate the spread of viruses in both technological and social networks. In this talk, I will mathematically analyze probabilistic models to explain these epidemics and to examine strategies for their containment.