Chaos and stability of a fractional model of the cyber ecosystem

1.   Introduction

Crime has become a ubiquitous sociological plague in our society, showing up both explicitly and implicitly in recent decades. Although traditional criminal behavior has long been a worry, a new era of cybercrime has emerged due to the internet's rapid spread, posing unique challenges to individuals, organizations, and governments globally ^[1]. Online criminal activity has surged in parallel with the internet's rapid ascent to prominence as a tool for communication and business. With more than 3 billion users worldwide, cyberspace has emerged as the main platform for governmental, cultural, and economic exchanges. It also contains sensitive data and essential infrastructures for modern living. But because of its interconnection, cyberspace is now more vulnerable to being exploited by cybercriminals, who may operate internationally with a certain degree of anonymity and impunity. Strong cybersecurity measures are becoming more and more necessary as cybercrimes increase in number. Global spending on cybersecurity is projected to exceed 1 trillion dollars between 2017 and 2021. Even with the advances in detection technologies, it is still difficult to identify offenders and determine their motivations, especially in the case of hackers who operate with sophisticated strategies beyond traditional jurisdictions ^[2]. To address these challenges, a deeper comprehension of hacker motivations and tactics is essential. Historically perceived as a monolithic entity, hackers comprise a diverse spectrum of actors with varying intentions and techniques. Over time, different typologies of hackers and their motivations provide cybersecurity experts insights into the constellation of cybercrimes. However, the dynamic nature of cyber threats necessitates continual refinement and updating of these typologies to keep pace with evolving tactics and behaviors. Recognizing the urgency, this article scrutinizes the impacts of hackers and the tactics that they use to accomplish their goals. Through the clarification of the complex interactions among users, hackers, and cybersecurity professionals in a wider cyber ecosystem, this research seeks to improve the ability to identify, address, and avert cybercrimes. By considering the human aspects of users, Grobler et al. ^[3] illustrated the paradigm change from functional and usage-centered cyber security to user-centered cyber security. In addition to demonstrating how different cognitive capacities of computer users affect their capacity to fend off information security threats, Moustafa et al. ^[4] offered potential psychological strategies to support computer users in adhering to security guidelines, thereby enhancing network and information security. People are increasingly expressing concern regarding the consequences of hacking, prompting them to take proactive measures to protect their documents and the system they use based on prior experience ^[5]. Users may adopt several measures to protect their system and data from cyber threats, such as antivirus software, firewall protection, strong passwords, updated software, or avoiding suspicious links. This shift underscores a heightened awareness of personal responsibility in mitigating vulnerability to hackers.

In this study, we have looked at how users, hackers, and cybersecurity experts interact as three major parts of the cyber ecosystem. We have explored the complex interrelationships among these objects and clarified their behavior. Additionally, we have included a thorough analysis with graphical representations to show how refuge elements and fear levels affect the survival and growth trajectories of hackers as well as users. Traditionally, predators were believed to only impact prey populations via direct killing of prey, decreasing their chances of surviving. However, new research reveals a more profound ecological function, as predators change the behavioral and mental state of their victims. Prey feel there is a chance of being eaten when they come across predators, which causes them to react with fear or tension. Beyond just simple mortality impacts, this perceived danger influences prey behaviors and ecological dynamics. Zanette et al. ^[6] conducted a large-scale field experiment in which direct killing was purposefully avoided in order to measure the effect of predator fear on the population of prey. The strongest argument in favor of the idea that fear will have an impact on prey populations everywhere is the fact that afraid prey consumes less because they are unable to keep their heads up to avoid predators and down to forage ^[6,7,8]. This fear of the prey may exhibit some anti-predator behaviors which causes them to avoid predators. Refuge is one of them: a strategy where prey conceals themselves in inaccessible areas, protecting oneself from predation. This tactic ensures that a portion of the prey population remains hidden from predators, thereby lowering the risk of predation. Nevertheless, extended refuge leads to diminished opportunities for feeding and mating, highlighting a trade-off between predator avoidance and other essential activities. In addition to taking cover, the dread of approaching predators causes prey to engage in a variety of anti-predator behaviors, such as releasing toxins, forming groups, playing dead, mimicking, herd behavior, camouflage, and apostatic selection ^[9,10,11].

When we employ differential equations, the utilization of fractional operators has been recognized as a more rational and organized tool. Numerous ecologists have started incorporating different types of fractional- order derivatives (FOD) into integer-order ecological models. Various theories of fractional operators, including the Caputo-Liouville, Gronwald-Letnikov, Caputo-Fabrizio, and Atangana-Baleanu, can be explored in references such as ^{[12,13,14,15]}. Noteworthy outcomes from analyzing various population models in relation to the fractional operators are documented in some works like ^[16,17,18]. Gao et al. ^[19] focused on enhancing the complexity of chaotic systems by introducing the memristor and a nonlinear component and also proposed an encryption method for face images: EFR-CSTP ^[20]. The EFR-CSTP is very efficient because it only encrypts the facial component in the face image. Inspired by the research of ^{[21,22,23,24,25,26,27]}, this article introduces a 3D chaotic cybernetic model that delineates the relationships among user, hacker, and cybersecurity professionals within the Caputo fractional domain. The model is designed using fractional-order derivatives which, unlike integer-order derivatives, can capture memory and hereditary properties of various processes. This makes them particularly suitable for modeling systems with such characteristics. The current study highlights the significance of employing a mathematical model to address real-world issues and evaluates the performance of the fractional operator in this context. Additionally, the proposed solution procedure for solving the system of fractional differential equations is both systematic and effective.

A key novelty in this work is the consideration of Lyapunov exponents in the fractional context, addressing an open problem and discerning the chaotic nature of the projected chaos system. The primary innovation in this paper lies in connecting the 3D chaotic model to three significant components, users, hackers, and cybersecurity professionals, in the context of a Caputo-type fractional differential equation (FDE) in a cyber ecosystem. We analyze their dynamics and induce the antipredator factors, exploring their impact. Furthermore, we investigate the stability of the chaotic FO theoretically as well as graphically to enhance its validity; this is the key novel exploration from the existing literature. In order to solve this, we numerically simulate the projected model using the Adams-Bashforth-Moulton predictor-corrector method, which Diethelm generalized for FDEs ^[28].

The subsequent sections of the article are as follows. In Section 2, we provide definitions related to FO systems. A comprehensive explanation of the FO 3D chaotic system is presented in Section 3. The analysis of the existence and uniqueness of the solution is conducted in Section 4. Section 5 describes the boundedness of the system. The detection of the equilibrium point, existence, and its stability analysis are discussed in Section 6. Section 7 determines the chaotic nature with the Lyapunov exponent. Numerical illustrations of the proposed work are provided in Section 8. Finally, the comprehensive conclusion of the present work is drawn in Section 9.

2.   Essential definitions

In this study, the Caputo fractional derivative has been utilized to accommodate the integer-order initial condition. In support, we have reviewed some definitions and lemma here.

Definition 2.1. ^[29] If $0 < \alpha < 1$, the Caputo derivative of the continuous function $z(t)$ is defined by:

where $\Gamma(\cdot)$ is the standard Gamma function.

Definition 2.2. ^[29] The Riemann-Liouville fractional integral $I_t^\alpha z(t)$ of order $\alpha > 0$ is defined as

Lemma 2.3. ^[30] Consider the nonlinear equation

so that $0 < \alpha \le 1$ and $p:[t_0, \infty)\times \mathbb{R}^n\to {\mathbb{R}}^n$. The initial condition is chosen as $x(t_0)$. $p(t, x)$ admits the local Lipschitz conditions w.r.t. $x$ on $[t_0, \infty)\times \mathbb{R}^n$ guaranteeing the existence of the unique solution for the given IVP. (The corresponding Lipschitz constant should be the less than one.)

Lemma 2.4. ^[31] Let $g(\mathfrak{t})$ be a continuous function on $[\mathfrak{t}_0, +\infty)$ satisfying:

Note that $0 < \alpha \le 1, \ (\lambda, \xi)\in {\mathbb{R}}^2$ and $\lambda \neq 0$. Also, $\mathfrak{t}_0\ge 0$ is the initial time. Then

3.   Practical implications of the 3D chaotic model

In this study, we employed the 3D chaotic attractor ^[18] to propose a cybernetic model illustrating the interplay among the user ($U$), hacker ($V$), and cybersecurity Professional ($W$). A user is a person or an entity that uses digital devices, networks, or computer systems to perform tasks or retrieve data. A hacker is a skilled person who uses technical expertise to gain unauthorized access to computer systems or networks for a variety of reasons, such as disruption, exploitation, or data theft. A cybersecurity professional is an expert who focuses on implementing security measures, performing risk assessments, and responding to security incidents in order to safeguard computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. To encapsulate this interaction, we have characterized the subsequent set of nonlinear differential equations:

where $\sigma = \frac{\sigma_1}{K}, \, \chi = \frac{\chi_1}{K}, \, \phi = \frac{b}{\phi_1}, \, \xi = \frac{\xi_1}{b K},$ (see Figure 1 and Table 1).

4.   Existence and uniqueness solution of 3D cyber ecosystem (3.1)

In this section, we provide some theorems in relation to the existence and uniqueness of the solution for the fractional given model described by Eq (3.1).

Theorem 4.1. In the region $K \times [0, T]$ with

and $T < +\infty$, there is a solution of the given fractional system of Eq (3.1) and it is unique.

Proof. Here, let B(t) = ($U(t), V(t), W(t)$), $\bar{B}(t) = (\bar{U}(t)$, $\bar{V}(t), \bar{W}(t)$) and a function

so that

$A(t, Y)$ is formulated on $K \times [0, T]$, $m = \sup_K||A(t, Y)||$, and $||B(t)|| = \sup_{t\in [0, T]}|B(t)|$. We aim here to show the existence of some $\Phi$ such that

Consider,

This implies,

where,

Consider $\Phi = max\{\Phi_1, \Phi_2, \Phi_3\}.$ This yields

On contructing a Picard's operator $\Delta$, using the function $K$ and applying the fractional R-L integral,

We should investigate two things about this operator: It maps a complete non-empty metric space into itself and also it is a contraction. Let us take

By the norm on (4.3), we get

The above inequality in (4.4) is to be held if $\frac{T^\alpha}{\Gamma(\alpha+1)} < \frac{b}{m}.$ Next, we establish a condition under which the operator $\Delta$ shows the contractive property. To establish this condition, we follow the following steps:

The equation above illustrates that the Picard's operator $\Delta$ transforms into a contraction whenever

This confirms that the Picard's operator $\Delta$ functions as a contraction. According to the Banach principle, we can infer that the operator $\Delta$ possesses a unique fixed point, thereby indicating that the initial value system of FDEs (3.1) admits a unique solution so that $\frac{T^\alpha}{\Gamma(\alpha+1)} < min\{\frac{b}{m}, \frac{1}{\Phi}\}.$ □

5.   Boundedness

Now, we try to find out that the solutions of the system (3.1) are bounded.

Theorem 5.1. The solutions of the initial value system of FDEs (3.1) are bounded uniformly.

Proof. Let us consider the function $\mathfrak{L}(t) = U(t)+V(t)+W(t)$.

We have

on the ball

which guarantees the existence of the unique solution. So, the above inequality gives that

By Lemma 2.4, we get

Therefore, all solutions of the initial value system of FDEs (3.1) that initiate in $\mathfrak{B}$ are bounded on

The proof is complete. □

6.   Existence and stability of cyber ecosystem equilibrium point

Theorem 6.1. The coexistence equilibrium point ${E_1} = (\hat{U}, \hat{V}, \hat{W})$ exists.

Proof. The coexistence equilibrium point is obtained by solving the following equations:

Solving Eq (6.1), we get

and $\hat{U}$ exists if $(1+\sigma)^2 > 4 \hat{V}(1+d \hat{V}).$

Here, $\sigma$ is the attack threshold constant of the user, d is the fear induced by hackers.

If the fear factor instilled by hackers to users within the cyber ecosystem surpasses the threshold attack rate, then users persist due to the efficacy of cybersecurity tactics. Through effective cybersecurity tactics, users surpass this fear, ensuring their continued presence in the virtual sphere.

Solving Eq (6.3) yields

and $\hat{W}$ exists if

The rate of profit for cybersecurity professionals should be more than the rate of retirement for $\hat{W}$ to exist.

Now, substituting the value of $\hat{U}$ and $\hat{W}$ in (6.2), we get,

where

Clearly $A_5 > 0$. Hence, Equation (6.5) has a change of sign between the fourth and fifth terms if $A_4 < 0$. Therefore, it has exactly one positive root according to Descarte's rule of sign. Then, $\hat{V}$ equilibrium point exists.

Hence, coexistence equilibrium point $\tilde{E_1}$ exists. □

Stability analysis of equilibrium point

Here, we analyze the user, cybersecurity professional free and coexistence equilibrium of the system (3.1). If all eigenvalues $\Theta_j\, (j = 1, 2, \dots, \beta)$ related to the Jacobian matrix $J(\bar{E})$ (note that $\bar{E}$ is the equilibrium point) satisfy

then, $\bar{E}$ will be a stable equilibrium point.

We determine these eigenvalues by solving the characteristic equation

Lemma 6.2. ^[32] Consider the following characteristic equation

The conditions stated below make all the roots of the characteristic equation (6.7) to satisfy the inequality (6.6):

(I) If $\beta = 1$, then the necessary condition for (6.7) is $A_1 > 0.$

(II) If $\beta = 2$, then the necessary conditions for (6.7) are either the Routh-Hurwitz conditions to be held or $A_1 > 0, \, 4A_2 > A_1^{2},$ and $|tan^{-1}\frac{\sqrt{4A_2-A_1^{2}}}{A_1}| > \frac{\alpha \pi}{2}.$

(III) Let $\beta = 3.$ If the discriminant of the polynomial $P(\Theta)$ is positive, in this case, the necessary and sufficient conditions for satisfying (6.7) are

If this discriminant is negative, then the necessary and sufficient conditions for satisfying (6.7) are

(IV) For every values of $\beta,$ $A_{\beta} > 0$ is the necessary condition for (6.7) to be fulfilled.

Theorem 6.3. The user equilibrium point of the projected FO model (3.1) $E_2(U, 0, 0) = (1, 0, 0)$ exixts and is unstable.

Proof. First of all, the Jacobian matrix at $E_2$ is

Simplifying and solving for equilibrium point, we get these eigenvalues

which complete the proof. □

Here, $\theta \rho$ represents the overall impact of hackers' growth on their profitability, indicating the rate at which hackers are expanding their operations and the resulting financial gains from their activities. $1+\chi$ means the tipping point where hackers can sustain their activities effectively and achieve a level of profitability that outweighs the costs and risks associated with cybercrime. When $\theta \rho$ exceeds $(1+\chi)$, then hackers are operating at a level where their growth and profitability outweigh the defensive capabilities of users, leading to a positive impact for hackers. As a result, cyberattacks may be more successful, hackers may make more money, and potentially expand their operations. Hence, for the above reasons, we have considered $\Lambda_3 > 0$ if $\theta \rho > (1+\chi),$ which leads to $E_3$ unstable.

This can be further verified by the Routh-Hurwitz stability criterion. The characteristic polynomial of $J(E_3)$ is

where $K_1 = b+\gamma+\delta-\frac{\theta \rho}{1+\chi}$ and

The necessary and sufficient condition for the stability of the linear time-invariant dynamical system is the Routh-Hurwitz stability criterion. According to this, in third-order polynomial, Equation (6.8) must satisfy the following conditions:

● the coefficients $K_1, K_2,$ and $K_3$ must be positive.

● $K_1 K_2 > K_3$

Remark: The values $K_1 = 2.64$, $K_2 = -1.30,$ and $K_3 = 0.73$, for the given values of parameters in this paper, fail to satisfy the first condition. Hence, by Lemma 6.2, the hacker and cybersecurity professional free equilibrium point is unstable.

Theorem 6.4. The cybersecurity professional free equilibrium $E_3(U, V, 0)$ of the projected FO model (3.1) is unstable.

Proof. The Jacobian matrix at $E_3$ is

The characteristic polynomial is

where $\Theta_1 = \frac{V(\mu-\gamma)-\xi \gamma}{\xi+V}$

$\Theta_1 > 0$ with reference to condition (6.4). Hence, one of the eigenvalues is positive. This implies that the cybersecurity professional free equilibrium point is unstable. □

The user equilibrium point and cybersecurity professional free equilibrium point is unstable due to the following reasons:

● Cybersecurity professionals assist in strengthening systems against possible future threats by putting strong security measures in place and making sure that organizations are safe even in the absence of direct attacks.

● Accidental breaches, internal mistakes, and system malfunctions can happen even in the absence of external hackers. Professionals in cybersecurity are qualified to handle security problems and respond to them in a way that minimizes or sometimes completely protects from damage that impacts users and organizations.

● Cybersecurity professionals are responsible for ensuring that organisations follow pertinent laws, guidelines, information security, and best practices in data protection. Compliance controls aid in preserving the reliability and integrity of data and systems.

Hence, the presence of the hackers and cybersecurity professionals keep the cyber ecosystem stable.

7.   Determination of chaotic nature through Lyapunov Exponents (LE)

Lyapunov characteristic exponent (LCE) or the Lyapunov exponent (LE) of a system, as referenced in ^[33,34], quantifies the rate at which closely situated trajectories diverge. The sign of the LE determines the state of a given dynamical system.

The conditions for a 3D-dimensional chaotic system with LE are as follows:

● Let all exponents be negative, i.e., $(-, -, -)$. In this case, the attractor reduces to a stable fixed point.

● Let one of the LEs be zero and the rest of them be negative, i.e., $(0, -, -)$. In this case, the attractor exhibits a limit cycle.

● Let at least one of the LEs be positive, i.e., $((+, 0, -), (+, -, -), (+, 0, 0))$. In this case, the given system displays a chaotic behavior and instability.

● Let two ones of the LEs be zero and the other one be negative, i.e., $(0, 0, -)$. In this case, the given system exhibits a two-torus.

● When at least two ones of the LE are positive, i.e., $((+, +, -), (+, +, 0), (+, +, +))$, the given system demonstrates a hyper-chaotic behavior.

After computing the numerical values of the Lyapunov exponents (LE) ^[35] and investigating the chaotic behavior of the 4D hyper-chaotic climatic model, we have written the obtained values of the LEs in Tables 2, 3, and 4 for different values of the order $\alpha$.

● By considering $\alpha = 1$ in Table 2, the negative sum of the LE indicates the dissipativeness of the FO chaotic system. The presence of one positive LE at each timeline confirms its chaotic behavior.

● Tables 3 and 4 show the LEs versus the time series for the orders $\alpha$ = 0.89 and $\alpha$ = 0.7, respectively. In both tables, only one positive LE is observed at each timeline, signifying a reduction of chaotic behavior with varying the values for the fractional order. The same is visible in Figure 2.

It is notable that the chosen initial conditions are $U(0) = 0.3251, \, V(0) = 0.2093, \,$and $W(0) = 0.0264$.

8.   Numerical analysis

Here, we present the numerical method used to solve the cyber ecosystem 3.1. We use the generalized Adams-Bashforth Moulton technique ^[28] to solve the system 3.1. The solution to the system 3.1, by using the Adams-Bashforth Moulton technique, can be represented as:

where

In which

$a_{i, n+1} = \begin{cases} n^{\alpha +1}-(n-\alpha)(n+1)^{\alpha}, & i = 0, \\ (n-i+2)^{\alpha +1}+(n-i)^{\alpha +1}-2(n-i+1)^{\alpha +1}, & 1\le i\le n, \\ 1, & i = n+1, \end{cases}$

and

Here, discuss the five scenarios and analyze it graphically. The values of the parameter we used are as follows:

$b = 1, \, \, d = 0.02, \, \beta = 1, \sigma = 0.5, \, \delta = 1.15, \, \theta = 0.8, \, \rho = 1, \, \lambda = 1, \phi = 0.21, \, \xi = 0.08, \, \gamma = 0.35 \mu = 0.55, \, \kappa_1 = 0.02, \, \kappa_2 = 0.3$

8.1.   Dynamics of special cases

Case 1: Dynamics of system without fear and refuge:

This system indicates the dynamic interrelation between users, hackers, and cybersecurity professionals. The chaotic behavior, which is obtained in Figure 3, is a reflection of the intrinsic complexity and unpredictability of the cyber ecosystem, where various multiple factors and interactions cause nonlinear dynamical behavior. Gaining an understanding of these conditions, it is crucial to create strategies that effectively manage and reduce cyber risks in a society that is becoming more digitally linked and networked. Case 2: Dynamics of system (8.1) with fear factor to user:

Here, $\frac{1}{1+d V}$ is the fear factor induced to users by hackers. $b$ is the growth rate of users and $d$ is the fear factor. Figure 4 represents the case when the fear factor is induced to users by hackers. Users become uncertain and anxious due to hacker's fear, which causes irregular and unpredictable behavior within the cyber environment. In this scenario, users become more vulnerable to social engineering techniques used by hackers, such as phishing emails or fraudulent websites, which would increase the chaos inside the system. This was further explained in Case Ⅳ with the refuge factor.

Case 3: System (8.1) with fear factor induced to hackers:

A closed trajectory within the phase space is denoted by a limit cycle. This trajectory has a unique property: At least one other trajectory converges toward it, either as time extends infinitely or as time reaches towards negative infinity. Limit cycles serve as effective models for understanding the behavior of numerous real-world oscillatory systems especially in nonlinear systems. Figures 5 and 6 represent the case when the fear factor ($d$) is induced to hackers from cybersecurity professionals. We have been introduced the two different values of the fear. In both cases, we can see space phase trajectories are reduced from chaotic behavior to a limit cycle. The imposition of fear by cybersecurity professionals may act as a form of deterrence, discouraging hackers from engaging in high-risk or aggressive tactics that could reduce the chaotic behavior in the cyber ecosystem. Here, some trajectories spiral in and some out, which rotates the boundary of the closed curve, and the maximum nearby neighborhood of the orbits moves outside the neighborhood, which leads to unstable limit cycle ^[36,37]. The coexistence equilibrium point is $(0.76882', \, 0.293251, \, 0.417009)$. The eigenvalues at this point are: $-0.494661, \, 0.187604 + i 0.435966,$ and $0.187604 -i 0.435966$.

Since two of the eigenvalues have positive real parts, the system exhibits unstable behavior.

Case 4: System (8.1) with refuge factor induced to users:

In real life, not all members of the users group are exposed to hackers, since they often have refuges where they can hide from the predators. Therefore, here we suppose that only a fraction $(1-\kappa_1)$ of prey species is accessible to hackers and that a portion $\kappa_1 U$ of users is fully protected from hackers. Here, $\kappa_1$ is the refuge factor induced to users. When the refuge factor is induced to users, the chaos of the system has been reduced, which is seen in Figure 7. Cybersecurity solutions help users strengthen their safety measures against possible threats by erecting a barrier that discourages hackers and lessens the chance of security breaches. Implementing security controls such as firewalls and antivirus software, threat intelligence analysis, user awareness and training, and many other security measures shelter users from direct exposure to criminal activity, which reduces the probability of instability that would arise inside the cyber environment. When users believe that they are sufficiently safeguarded by cybersecurity experts, they are less likely fear hackers, who try to instill it in them. Furthermore, the existence of strong cybersecurity defenses helps to stop the methods and plans of hackers, thereby limiting the chaos within the system.

Case 5: System of FDEs (8.1) with refuge factor induced to hackers:

Figure 8 shows the behavior of the system when the hackers are hidden or undetected by cybersecurity professionals. Here, $\kappa_2$ is refuge the factor related to hackers. When hackers successfully remain hidden from cybersecurity professionals, it leads to instability within the cyber ecosystem. This instability occurs because cybersecurity professionals are unable to identify the presence of the threats caused by hackers, which hinders their ability to implement effective mitigation strategies and respond to cyber attacks. As a result, the undetected activities of the hackers can proliferate unchecked, leading to potential vulnerabilities, data breaches, and compromised system integrity. This highlights the critical importance of advanced detection mechanisms and proactive security measures to maintain stability and security in the cyber ecosystem.

The practical implications of the findings of this study:

1. By understanding the stability conditions and how various parameters influence the dynamics of the system, cybersecurity professionals can develop more adaptive and robust defense mechanisms. This includes adjusting their strategies based on the predicted behavior of hackers and online users, potentially preventing or mitigating attacks more effectively.

2. Policymakers can use the study's findings to design regulations and policies that create an environment less conducive to cybercrime. Understanding the impact of fear and refuge factors, for instance, can lead to policies that promote safer online behavior and environments, thus reducing the overall threat level.

3. This model raises the awareness about safe online practices and the importance of cybersecurity measures by behavioral dynamics of online users.

Remark 8.1 All the figures are directly propotional to FO derivative. As the FO derivative decreases, the chaotic behavior also reduces, which underscores the direct proportionality between fractional derivatives and system stability. This suggests that FO derivatives provide more accurate control over chaotic dynamics than do integer derivatives, which is why FOD are invaluable in a variety of industries, such as engineering and finance, where managing and comprehending complicated systems is crucial.

8.2.   Poincaré section of 4D system (8.1)

Figure 9 represents a geometric figure of a trajectory's behavior at a specific cross section of the attractor. This cross section is essentially a slice through the attractor, perpendicular to the flow or bundle of trajectories ^[38]. The intricate branches and twigs visible in these depictions unveil the chaotic and complex foldings within the atmospheric attractor described by equation (8.1). We have depicted the Poincaré maps of the system (8.1) for $\alpha = 1$. Projection on $U-V$ plane while cutting through the plane $W = 0.15$ is projected in Figure 9(a). If the section is made by the plane $U = 0.7\,$ the dynamics of the system in $V-W$ plane is as shown in Figure 9(b). On the other hand, projection on $U- W$ plane making a section by $V = 0.15$ plane can be seen in Figure 9(c).

From Figure 9 (a)–(c), the 3D representation of the Figure 3 (a) is cut and projected into two dimensions. This projection uncovers the internal structure of the attractor, offering an alternative perspective on it. Since we have focused on a single cross-section through the attractor, these figures provide precise information about the attractor's shape, general position in phase space, and other characteristics. Additionally, they highlight the anatomy of the attractor with much greater detail and clarity compared to a standard phase space plot. Poincaré section is a vast reduction in the size of the dataset, because it allows us to ignore most points along the trajectory and focus only on the points on or near the Poincaré section.

9.   Conclusions

Using a 3D chaotic model with Caputo FOD, we recently studied the relationships between users, hackers, and cybersecurity experts. In our model, we investigated the existence, uniqueness, and boundedness of the solution. Our examination of stability, existence, and equilibrium points highlighted how important cybersecurity is. In addition, we looked at particular different scenarios involving fear-induced responses in users and hackers, as well as refuge-seeking behaviors. From this, we have shown the indispensable role of cybersecurity professionals in ensuring that users are adequately protected and can navigate the online world with confidence. We used phase portraits to analyse the effects of FOD on the dynamics of chaotic systems. We found evidence for chaotic behavior in Lyapunov exponents. Furthermore, the analysis of Poincaré sections reflects the complex chaotic movement in the system. In our predicted cybernetic model, our results imply that FOD can successfully manage chaos, contributing to our understanding of intricate dynamics in the cyber ecosystem. This holistic approach in modeling analysis enhances our comprehension of intricate cybernetic dynamics and aids decision-making in the face of persistent hacking threats by employing protective measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, robust passwords, software updates, and prudent handling of suspicious links. For future research, it is important to address the sensitivity of the model's outcomes to various logical parameters. Small changes in these parameters can lead to significantly different results, potentially limiting the model's robustness and its ability to generalize across different scenarios. Furthermore, this study primarily relies on theoretical and numerical analysis. To enhance the practical applicability and validation of the model's predictions, one can incorporate empirical validation using real-world data.

Use of AI tools declaration

The authors declare they have not used Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the creation of this article.

Authors' contributions

J.F.G.A., M.K.N., R.G.: Conceptualization; M.K.N., C.B., İ.A.: Methodology; C.B., İ.A.: Software; C.B., İ.A., E.P.C.: Validation; J.F.G.A., R.G., E.P.C.: Formal analysis; J.F.G.A., C.B., E.P.C.: Investigation; M.K.N., C.B., İ.A.: Writing-original draft preparation; J.F.G.A., R.G., C.B.: Writing-review and editing; J.F.G.A., C.B.: Supervision; R.G.: Project administration. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Acknowledgments

The authors extend their appreciation to Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia for funding this research work through the project number (2024/01/922572).

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.