Title: Pursuing multi-agent Nash equilibria amidst DoS attacks with stochastic perturbations

Authors: Hebing Zhang; Zhangning Li; Zongkai Lin

Addresses: School of Intelligent Manufacture, Taizhou University, Jiaojiang, 318000, Zhejiang, China ' School of Intelligent Manufacture, Taizhou University, Jiaojiang, 318000, Zhejiang, China ' School of Intelligent Manufacture, Taizhou University, Jiaojiang, 318000, Zhejiang, China

Abstract: In this study, we have developed a comprehensively distributed framework aimed at examining the collaborative dynamics of multi-agent systems (MAS) amidst denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, with a particular focus on the impact of stochastic perturbations within an insecure network milieu. We have engineered a highly robust, fully distributed control protocol that guarantees the attainment of Nash equilibrium in the presence of DoS assaults. The investigation encompasses first-and second-order systems, with a detailed exploration of general non-quadratic and quadratic payoff games. The theoretical findings are substantiated through simulation experiments, which validate our analysis and reveal that the observer and control protocol proposed herein exhibit enhanced compatibility with second-order systems under identical stochastic perturbation conditions.

Keywords: DoS attacks; random perturbations; multi-agent systems; MAS; Nash equilibrium; decentralised control protocols.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSN.2025.145028

International Journal of Security and Networks, 2025 Vol.20 No.1, pp.40 - 57

Received: 20 Dec 2024
Accepted: 26 Dec 2024
Published online: 17 Mar 2025 *

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