International Journal of Informatics and Communication Technology (IJ-ICT)
Vol 14, No 3: December 2025

Quantifying the severity of cyber attack patterns using complex networks

Hasan, Ahmed Salih (Unknown)
Mohammed, Yasir F. (Unknown)
Mahmood, Basim (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Dec 2025

Abstract

This work quantifies the severity and likelihood of cyberattacks using complex network modelling. A dataset from common attack pattern enumerations and classifications (CAPEC) is collected and formalized as nodes and edges aiming at creating a network model. In this model, each attack pattern is represented as a node, and an edge is created between two nodes when there is a relation between them. The dataset includes 559 attack patterns and 1921 relations among them. Network metrics are used to perform the analysis on the network level and node level. Moreover, a rank of the CAPECs based on a complex network perspective is generated. This rank is compared with the CAPEC ranking system and deeply discussed based on cybersecurity perspective. The findings show interesting facts about the likelihood and severity of attacks. It is found that the network perspective should be given attention by the CAPEC ranking system. Finally, the results of this work can be of high interest to security architects.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

IJICT

Publisher

Subject

Computer Science & IT

Description

International Journal of Informatics and Communication Technology (IJ-ICT) is a common platform for publishing quality research paper as well as other intellectual outputs. This Journal is published by Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science (IAES) whose aims is to promote the dissemination of ...