A research team has published a study on developing an innovative artificial intelligence model designed to enhance the security of modern communication networks against sophisticated cyber threats. The study appeared in the esteemed Q1 Journal of Communications and Networks, a leading publication specialising in networks and communications research.

Supervised by Professor Adel Bouhoula, Head of the Computing Department at AGU, the research focuses on protecting advanced networks that rely on Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualisation (NFV). These technologies have become integral to modern digital technologies, including 5G, smart cities, and cloud computing. Professor Bouhoula affirmed that while these networks offer increased flexibility and efficiency, they also introduce novel security challenges that traditional methods struggle to address.

The team developed an extensive dataset named SDN-Net, created by integrating and analysing multiple data sources to provide a comprehensive view of network activity. This dataset includes over 1.5 million samples representing both normal and malicious behaviours, enabling AI systems to learn with high accuracy and distinguish between various cyberattack patterns. An advanced machine learning model was also developed, achieving a record detection accuracy of 99.9%, outperforming current best practices.

Professor Bouhoula explained that these findings open new horizons for applying this technology in critical sectors such as financial services, healthcare, autonomous transportation, and government and private data centres. He noted that as networks become faster and more complex, their security systems must evolve to be more intelligent and adaptable. The developed model not only detects cyber threats but continuously learns from new data, transforming networks from passive targets into active defensive systems.

This research resulted from the scientific collaboration between PhD student Ameena Al-Sahbi and Dr Faouzi Jaidi from the University of Carthage, Tunisia. It exemplifies the significance of international academic partnerships in developing innovative solutions to mounting cybersecurity challenges. The research also reflects the applied research efforts of the Computing Department at the College of Education, Administrative and Technical Sciences at AGU, strengthening cybersecurity foundations amid the rapid adoption of smart technologies in the digital world.