ANOMALY DETECTION IN NETWORK TRAFFIC USING

MACHINE LEARNING
A PROJECT REPORT SUBMITTED TO

SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE

AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF

MASTER OF COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

BY

BALAJI U (REG NO. RA2332241010285)

UNDER THE GUIDANCE

OF

Dr. NITHYA S, MCA, M.Phil,Ph.D,

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES

SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Kattankulathur – 603 203

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

APRIL – 2025
 BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project report titled “ANOMALY DETECTION IN NETWORK

TRAFFIC USING MACHINE LEARNING” is a bonafide work carried out by BALAJI U

(RA2332241010285), under my supervision for the award of the Degree of Master of

Computer Applications. To my knowledge the work reported herein is the original work done

by these student.

Dr. NITHYA S Dr. JAYASHREE R

Assistant Professor, Associate Professor & Head,

Department of Computer Applications Department of Computer Applications

(GUIDE)

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

 DECLARATION OF ASSOCIATION OF RESEARCH
PROJECT WITH SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
GOALS

This is to certify that the research project entitled “ANOMALY DETECTION IN

NETWORK TRAFFIC USING MACHINE LEARNING” carried out by under the

supervision of Dr. NITHYA S in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of Post

Graduation program has been significantly or potentially associated with SDG Goal No 09

(NINE) titled INDUSTRY,INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

This study has clearly shown the extent to which its goals and objectives have been

met in terms of filling the research gaps, identifying needs, resolving problems, and

developing innovative solutions locally for achieving the above-mentioned SDG on a

National and/or on an international level.

SIGNATURE OF THE STUDENT GUIDE

HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

With profound gratitude to the ALMIGHTY, I take this chance to thank the people who
helped me to complete this project.

I take this as a right opportunity to say THANKS to my parents who are there to stand
with me always with the words “YOU CAN”.

I are thankful to Dr. T. R. Paarivendhar, Chancellor, and Prof. A. Vinay Kumar, Pro
Vice- Chancellor (SBL), SRM Institute of Science & Technology, who gave us the
platform to establish us to reach greater heights.

I earnestly thank Dr. A. Duraisamy, Dean, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM
Institute of Science & Technology, who always encourage us to do novel things.

A great note of gratitude to Dr. S. Albert Antony Raj, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Science
and Humanities for his valuable guidance and constant Support to do this Project.

I express our sincere thanks to Dr. R. Jayashree, Associate Professor & Head, for her
support to execute all incline in learning.

It is our delight to thank our project guide Dr. Nithya S, Assistant Professor, Department
of Computer Applications, for her help, support, encouragement, suggestions, and
guidance throughout the development phases of the project.

I convey our gratitude to all the faculty members of the department who extended their
support through valuable comments and suggestions during the reviews.

A great note of gratitude to friends and people who are known and unknown to us who
helped in carrying out this project work a successful one.

BALAJI U
COMPANY LETTER
 Date: 04-04-2025

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Network security is a critical aspect of protecting digital infrastructures from an increasing

range of cyber threats. Traditional Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), which rely on
predefined rules, often fail to detect novel and evolving attack patterns. In contrast, machine
learning (ML)-based anomaly detection provides a dynamic approach by learning from
network traffic data to identify abnormal behavior that may indicate cyber intrusions.This
study explores the application of ML techniques for network anomaly detection using the
CICIDS2017 dataset, which includes both benign and malicious network traffic from various
attack scenarios. Several classification algorithms, including decision trees, random forests,
support vector machines (SVM), and deep learning models, are applied to differentiate
between normal and malicious traffic. To enhance model performance, essential
preprocessing steps such as data cleaning, normalization, and feature selection are
implemented, reducing dimensionality and improving accuracy. Feature engineering plays a
crucial role in extracting meaningful patterns from raw traffic data, enabling ML models to
learn the most relevant characteristics of network behavior.The effectiveness of these models
is evaluated using key performance metrics such as detection accuracy, precision, recall, and
F1-score. Experimental results demonstrate that ML-based models, particularly ensemble
methods like random forests and deep learning approaches, outperform traditional IDS in
detecting both known and novel network anomalies. The findings highlight the importance of
feature selection and hyperparameter tuning in optimizing model performance.Overall, the
study suggests that ML-based anomaly detection significantly enhances network security by
providing an adaptive, scalable, and accurate mechanism for identifying cyber threats in real-
time, making it a robust defense against evolving attacks.

Matched Source

Similarity 25%
Title:peerj.com · articles · cs-2221Predicting student success in MOOCs: a comprehensive analysis ...
In a comparative analysis, Alsariera et al. (2022) evaluated the performance of several classification
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student performance.
https://peerj.com/articles/cs-2221

Page 1 of 1
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................. 1

2. SOFTWARE REQUIREMENT ANALYSIS.................................................. 2

2.1 HARDWARE SPECIFICATION...................................................................... 2

2.2 SOFTWARE SPECIFICATION....................................................................... 2

2.3 ABOUT THE SOFTWARE AND ITS FEATURE........................................... 3

3. SYSTEM ANALYSIS.......................................................................................... 4

3.1 EXISTING SYSTEM...................................................................................... 4

3.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF EXISTING SYSTEM.......................................... 5

3.3 PROPOSED SYSTEM.................................................................................... 8

3.4 FEASIBILITY STUDY.................................................................................. 9

4. SYSTEM DESIGN.............................................................................................. 13

4.1 DATA FLOW DIAGRAM............................................................................ 13

4.2 USE CASE DIAGRAM................................................................................. 14

4.3 ACTIVITY DIAGRAM................................................................................. 15

4.4 CLASS DIAGRAM....................................................................................... 16

4.5 SEQUENCE DIAGRAM.............................................................................. 17

5. SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION........................................................................ 18

5.1 MODULE DESCRIPTION............................................................................ 18

5.2 DATASETS................................................................................................... 26

5.3 VALIDATION CHECKS.............................................................................. 28

5.4 ALGORITHM............................................................................................... 31

I
 5.5 SAMPLE DATASETS................................................................................... 38

6. TESTING..............................................................................................................40
6.1 TEST CASES..................................................................................................40

6.2 CROSS-VALIDATION TESTING................................................................. 44

6.3 HOLDOUT TESTING.................................................................................... 45

6.4 PERFORMANCE TESTING.......................................................................... 46

7. RESULT AND CONCLUSION........................................................................... 47

7.1 RESULT..........................................................................................................47

7.2 CONCLUSION........................................................................................................... 48

7.3 FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS........................................................................ 49

8. APPENDICES....................................................................................................... 53

8.1 SCREEN SHOTS............................................................................................ 53

8.2 SAMPLE CODING......................................................................................... 53

8.3 USER DOCUMENTATION........................................................................... 56

8.4 GLOSSARY.................................................................................................... 57

8.5 PROJECT RECOGNITIONS.......................................................................... 57

9. REFERENCES................................................................................................. 59

II
 LIST OF TABLES

Table 5.5.1 Sample Test Dataset............................................................................................38

Table 5.5.2 Sample Test Dataset............................................................................................38

Table 5.5.3 Sample Training Dataset.....................................................................................39

Table 5.5.4 Sample Training Dataset.....................................................................................39

III
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 4.1 Data Flow Diagram........................................................................................... 19

Figure 4.2 Use Case Diagram............................................................................................. 20
Figure 4.3 Activity Diagram............................................................................................... 21
Figure 4.4 Class Diagram.................................................................................................... 22
Figure 4.5 Sequence Diagram............................................................................................. 23
Figure 4.1. implementation process..................................................................................... 26

Figure 5.1.4.1 attacks labels................................................................................................. 29

Figure 5.1.4.2 Attack labels on High number group............................................................ 29

Figure 5.1.5 Attacks vs benign counts in attack files........................................................... 30

Figure 5.1.6 Top 4 features on attack types.......................................................................... 31

Figure 5.1.7 Top 7 features................................................................................................... 32

Figure 7.1 Result of Top 3 algorithms.................................................................................. 58

Figure 8.1.1 Preprocessing.................................................................................................. 51

Figure 8.1.2 Statistics for filtering attack types.................................................................... 51

Figure 8.1.3 Top 7 feature selection for all data.................................................................. 52

Figure 8.1.4 ML implementation for Top 7 feature............................................................... 52

IV
 ABSTRACT

Network security is a critical aspect of protecting digital infrastructures from an increasing

range of cyber threats. Traditional Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), which rely on
predefined rules, often fail to detect novel and evolving attack patterns. In contrast, machine
learning (ML)-based anomaly detection provides a dynamic approach by learning from
network traffic data to identify abnormal behavior that may indicate cyber intrusions.This
study explores the application of ML techniques for network anomaly detection using the
CICIDS2017 dataset, which includes both benign and malicious network traffic from various
attack scenarios. Several classification algorithms, including decision trees, random forests,
support vector machines (SVM), and deep learning models, are applied to differentiate
between normal and malicious traffic. To enhance model performance, essential
preprocessing steps such as data cleaning, normalization, and feature selection are
implemented, reducing dimensionality and improving accuracy. Feature engineering plays a
crucial role in extracting meaningful patterns from raw traffic data, enabling ML models to
learn the most relevant characteristics of network behavior.The effectiveness of these models
is evaluated using key performance metrics such as detection accuracy, precision, recall, and
F1-score. Experimental results demonstrate that ML-based models, particularly ensemble
methods like random forests and deep learning approaches, outperform traditional IDS in
detecting both known and novel network anomalies. The findings highlight the importance of
feature selection and hyperparameter tuning in optimizing model performance.Overall, the
study suggests that ML-based anomaly detection significantly enhances network security by
providing an adaptive, scalable, and accurate mechanism for identifying cyber threats in real-
time, making it a robust defense against evolving attacks.

V
 1. INTRODUCTION

In the modern digital era, network security is a critical concern for organizations and
individuals alike. Cyber threats such as malware, Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS)
attacks, and unauthorized access attempts continue to evolve, making traditional security
methods insufficient. Anomaly detection in network traffic using Machine Learning (ML) has
emerged as a powerful approach to identify and mitigate such threats in real time.Anomaly
detection refers to the process of identifying patterns in data that deviate from expected
behavior. In network security, anomalies often indicate malicious activities or system failures.
Traditional rule-based Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) rely on predefined signatures to
detect known threats but struggle against novel or evolving attacks.

ML-based anomaly detection overcomes this limitation by leveraging statistical

analysis and pattern recognition techniques to identify deviations from normal network
behavior.ML models used for anomaly detection can be broadly categorized into supervised,
unsupervised, and semi-supervised learning approaches. Supervised learning models require
labeled datasets with normal and anomalous traffic to train classifiers such as Support Vector
Machines (SVM), Decision Trees, and Neural Networks. Unsupervised learning methods,
including clustering algorithms like K-Means and Density-Based Spatial Clustering of
Applications with Noise (DBSCAN), detect anomalies without prior knowledge of attack
patterns. Semi-supervised techniques, such as autoencoders and one-class SVM, learn normal
behavior from available data and flag deviations as potential threats.Feature engineering
plays a crucial role in ML-based network anomaly detection. Relevant network traffic
characteristics, such as packet size, source/destination IP addresses, protocol types, and
connection duration, are extracted to train models effectively. Additionally, datasets like
CICIDS2017 and KDD99 serve as benchmarks for evaluating detection algorithms.

Despite its advantages, ML-based anomaly detection faces challenges such as high
false positive rates, model interpretability, and computational complexity. Continuous
advancements in deep learning, federated learning, and adaptive ML models are being
explored to enhance detection accuracy and scalability.In conclusion, anomaly detection in
network traffic using ML offers a promising solution for proactive cybersecurity. By
identifying malicious activities in real time, organizations can strengthen their defenses
against evolving cyber threats and ensure a secure digital environment.

1
 1. SOFTWARE REQUIREMENT ANALYSIS

2.1 HARDWARE SPECIFICATION

COMPONENT SPECIFICATION

Central Processing Unit Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-1005G1 1.20GHz

Installed RAM 4.00 GB (3.69 GB usable)

Storage 100 GB of free disk space

Network Broadband Internet connection

2.2 SOFTWARE SPECIFICATION

COMPONENT SPECIFICATION

Operating System Windows 11 Pro

Programming Languages Python: Version 3.6 or later

Dataset MS Excel

Libraries Sklearn,Numpy,pandas,matplotlib

2
2.3 ABOUT THE SOFTWARE AND ITS FEATURE

Anomaly detection software for network traffic using Machine Learning (ML) plays a
crucial role in modern cybersecurity systems. These software solutions leverage advanced
ML techniques to identify malicious activities, prevent cyber threats, and ensure network
integrity. Various open-source and commercial tools are available, each with unique
capabilities tailored to different security requirements.

Key Features of Anomaly Detection Software

1. Real-Time Threat Detection: The software continuously monitors network traffic,

identifying anomalies in real time to prevent potential security breaches.
2. Machine Learning Algorithms: Utilizes supervised, unsupervised, and deep learning
techniques such as Decision Trees, Support Vector Machines (SVM), K-Means
clustering, and Neural Networks for accurate anomaly detection.
3. Feature Engineering and Data Processing: Extracts and processes essential network
traffic attributes, such as packet size, protocol type, source/destination IP, and
connection duration, to improve detection efficiency.
4. Customizable Detection Rules: Users can define specific detection parameters to
adapt to different network environments and security policies.
5. Scalability and Integration: Can be deployed in cloud-based, on-premises, or hybrid
infrastructures, ensuring flexibility and compatibility with existing security tools such
as firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS).
6. Visualization and Reporting: Provides graphical dashboards, logs, and reports for
network administrators to analyze detected anomalies and take corrective actions.
7. Anomaly Score and Alerts: Assigns risk scores to suspicious activities and generates
automated alerts for quick incident response.
8. Benchmark Dataset Support: Many software solutions support standard datasets
like CICIDS2017, NSL-KDD, and KDD99 to improve model training and validation.
9. Self-Learning and Adaptability: Advanced AI-driven systems continuously learn
from new attack patterns, improving accuracy over time.
10. Privacy-Preserving Techniques: Emerging software incorporates Federated
Learning and Explainable AI (XAI) to enhance privacy, scalability, and
interpretability

3
 2. SYSTEM ANALYSIS
3.1 EXISTING SYSTEM

Traditional anomaly detection systems in network security primarily rely on rule-

based intrusion detection mechanisms. These systems use predefined rules and attack
signatures to detect anomalies, making them ineffective against zero-day attacks and
emerging cyber threats. Furthermore, many existing systems employ static thresholds for
anomaly detection, which do not adapt well to the dynamic nature of modern network
environments, resulting in decreased detection accuracy.One of the major drawbacks of
current solutions is their high false positive rates. These systems often generate excessive
alerts, overwhelming security teams with unnecessary notifications and reducing their ability
to respond effectively to real threats. Additionally, scalability is a challenge, as conventional
network monitoring tools struggle to process and analyze large volumes of high-speed
network traffic efficiently.

This limitation makes them impractical for large-scale enterprise and cloud-based
infrastructures.Most existing anomaly detection approaches take a reactive stance, identifying
anomalies only after they have occurred rather than predicting or preventing them in real-
time. This is further exacerbated by the reliance on signature-based detection methods, which
focus on known attack patterns but fail to recognize novel or evolving threats. Additionally,
some legacy systems lack real-time processing capabilities, leading to delays in anomaly
detection and hindering timely threat mitigation efforts.Despite the growing adoption of
machine learning in cybersecurity, many traditional systems still rely on manual rule-based
approaches with minimal automation. Limited feature extraction capabilities in existing tools
result in reduced detection accuracy, as they fail to analyze complex network traffic patterns
effectively. Moreover, older systems face integration challenges, struggling to seamlessly
work with modern security infrastructures, including cloud-based and AI-driven analytics
platforms.High computational overhead is another critical issue, as some network anomaly
detection systems require significant processing power, making real-time deployment difficult.

The lack of adaptive learning in these systems further limits their effectiveness, as
they do not continuously update themselves based on new attack patterns. Additionally,
security and privacy concerns arise due to the absence of robust encryption, access control,
and compliance measures in traditional network security solutions.Manual intervention is

4
often required to configure and tune existing systems, increasing maintenance complexity and
operational costs. Furthermore, the lack of advanced visualization and reporting tools makes
it challenging for security administrators to analyze network anomalies effectively. Limited
graphical dashboards and trend analysis features hinder the ability to gain valuable insights
into network security trends and emerging threats.Understanding these limitations
underscores the necessity for advanced machine learning-driven anomaly detection systems.
By incorporating adaptive learning, real-time threat detection, and reduced false positive rates,
modern solutions can enhance network security, providing a proactive approach to
cybersecurity challenges.

3.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF EXISTING SYSTEM

The existing systems for anomaly detection in network traffic, particularly those that
utilize machine learning (ML), have a set of defining characteristics that help identify and
mitigate cyber threats. These systems are widely adopted across organizations to monitor and
protect network infrastructure from potential attacks. Below are some key characteristics of
the current systems:

3.2.1 Signature-Based Detection

Traditional anomaly detection systems often rely on signature-based methods, where

known patterns of attack (such as specific malware signatures or intrusion patterns) are used
to detect threats. However, this approach is limited as it only detects known attacks and is
unable to identify new or unknown attack types (zero-day attacks). While signature-based
systems are fast and efficient, they are not well-suited for detecting evolving or sophisticated
threats.

3.2.2 Machine Learning Integration

Modern systems incorporate machine learning algorithms to improve anomaly

detection. Algorithms such as K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Decision Trees (e.g., ID3),
and Random Forest are employed to analyze network traffic and detect outliers or unusual
patterns. Machine learning helps the system detect anomalies that do not match predefined
patterns, making it more effective in identifying previously unknown attacks. These models
can continuously learn from network traffic, improving detection capabilities over time.

5
3.2.3 Real-Time Traffic Monitoring

Current systems are capable of monitoring network traffic in real time. This is a
critical characteristic, as network attacks often occur within short time windows, and timely
detection is necessary to prevent or mitigate damage. By processing packets of data as they
pass through the network, real-time monitoring ensures that potential anomalies are identified
and addressed immediately, thereby improving the overall security posture.

3.2.4 Feature Selection and Data Preprocessing

An essential aspect of anomaly detection in ML-based systems is data preprocessing

and feature selection. Raw network traffic data is often voluminous, and irrelevant or
redundant features can hinder model performance. To address this, current systems
implement preprocessing techniques such as normalization, handling missing values, and
feature extraction to enhance model accuracy. Feature selection techniques, such as Principal
Component Analysis (PCA) or mutual information-based methods, are used to focus on
the most important aspects of the network traffic, ensuring the system can detect anomalies
effectively.

3.2.5 Multi-Model Approaches

Many existing systems use a combination of machine learning models to improve

detection accuracy. For instance, ensemble methods like Random Forest or hybrid models
combining unsupervised and supervised learning approaches are commonly employed. These
models are trained on large datasets of network traffic to identify anomalies and improve
detection performance. The system may use multiple algorithms in parallel to reduce false
positives and negatives and to improve decision-making.

3.2.6 Scalability

Scalability is a crucial feature of modern anomaly detection systems. As network

sizes grow and more data is generated, systems must be able to scale efficiently without a
significant drop in performance. The use of cloud-based solutions and distributed computing
frameworks ensures that anomaly detection systems can handle the increasing volume of data
and respond to potential threats at scale.

6
3.2.7 False Positive and Negative Management

A common challenge with anomaly detection systems is managing false positives

(incorrectly identifying normal traffic as an attack) and false negatives (failing to detect
actual attacks). Existing systems often implement techniques like threshold tuning, filtering
mechanisms, and ensemble models to minimize these errors. While no system can
completely eliminate false positives and negatives, ongoing optimization and machine
learning model updates help mitigate their impact.

3.2.8 Integration with Other Security Systems

Most anomaly detection systems are designed to integrate with other Security
Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, firewalls, and Intrusion Detection
Systems (IDS). This integration allows for automated incident response and improves the
coordination of security operations. Once an anomaly is detected, the system can trigger
automatic responses such as blocking malicious IP addresses or isolating compromised
devices, ensuring swift action.

3.2.9 Continuous Learning and Adaptation

One of the defining features of machine learning-based systems is their ability to

continuously learn from new data. This adaptive learning process allows the system to stay
updated with the latest attack trends, ensuring that it can identify evolving threats. Over time,
the models become more accurate as they are trained on newer network traffic patterns and
attack data.

3.2.10 Visualization and Reporting

Many modern systems provide visual dashboards that allow security teams to
monitor network traffic in real time, view detected anomalies, and generate detailed reports.
These visual interfaces simplify the analysis of large volumes of data and enable
administrators to quickly assess network health. Alerts, logs, and summaries are often
presented in easy-to-understand formats, aiding in swift decision-making during security
incidents.

7
3.3 PROPOSED SYSTEM

The proposed system aims to enhance network security by efficiently detecting

anomalies in network traffic using machine learning techniques. Unlike traditional signature-
based Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), which rely on predefined attack signatures, this
system leverages machine learning to identify unknown and evolving threats. It employs a
multi-step approach, integrating data preprocessing, feature selection, and advanced
classification algorithms to detect anomalies with high accuracy.

The system begins with data collection, where real-time network traffic is captured
from various sources such as routers, firewalls, and network monitoring tools. The
preprocessing module cleanses and normalizes the data, handling missing values and
converting categorical attributes into numerical formats suitable for machine learning models.
Next, the feature selection module optimizes the dataset by selecting the most relevant
network traffic attributes, reducing computational complexity while preserving critical attack
indicators.

The machine learning implementation involves training models using algorithms

such as Nearest Neighbors, ID3 Decision Tree, and Random Forest. These models are
trained on a labeled dataset to classify network traffic as normal or anomalous. Two different
approaches are implemented: one using 28 selected features for high accuracy and another
using 7 key features for improved computational efficiency in real-time detection.

Once anomalies are detected, the alert and response system notifies network
administrators through automated alerts, logs, and visual dashboards. The system integrates
with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools and firewalls to take
immediate countermeasures, such as blocking suspicious IPs or isolating compromised
devices.

The proposed system is scalable, capable of handling large-scale network traffic, and
deployable in cloud, on-premises, or hybrid environments. It continuously learns from new
attack patterns, improving over time to detect zero-day attacks and emerging cyber threats.
This approach significantly enhances cybersecurity by providing real-time, adaptive, and
accurate network anomaly detection.

8
3.4 FEASIBILITY STUDY

A feasibility study is essential to evaluate the practicality, efficiency, and viability of

implementing a machine learning-based anomaly detection system in network traffic. This
study examines various aspects, including technical, economic, operational, and legal
feasibility, to ensure the successful deployment of the system.

The system relies on advanced machine learning techniques such as Nearest

Neighbors, ID3 Decision Tree, and Random Forest to classify network anomalies. It requires
a robust infrastructure to handle large volumes of real-time network traffic. The availability
of powerful computing resources, cloud-based deployment options (AWS, Azure, GCP), and
scalable database solutions (MySQL, MongoDB) ensures technical feasibility. Additionally,
existing open-source datasets like CICIDS2017 provide a strong foundation for model
training and evaluation.

The cost-effectiveness of the proposed system is evaluated based on hardware,

software, and maintenance costs. Compared to traditional Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS),
a machine learning-based approach reduces manual intervention and enhances detection
accuracy, leading to lower operational costs. Open-source libraries such as TensorFlow,
Scikit-learn, and PyTorch further reduce software expenses. Although initial setup costs may
be high, the long-term benefits of automated threat detection, reduced cyberattacks, and data
protection outweigh the investment.

The system is designed for seamless integration with existing network security
frameworks, making it operationally feasible. It automates traffic monitoring, anomaly
detection, and alert generation, reducing the dependency on human intervention. The user-
friendly dashboard provides real-time insights, enabling security administrators to respond to
threats efficiently. Moreover, the system continuously learns from network behavior,
adapting to new attack patterns, making it highly functional in dynamic network
environments.

Since network traffic monitoring involves handling sensitive data, compliance with
cybersecurity regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001 is crucial. The system
ensures data privacy through encryption, secure data storage, and role-based access controls.

9
Legal feasibility is addressed by adhering to national and international cybersecurity laws,
ensuring ethical and lawful implementation.

3.4.1 Technical Feasibility

From a technical standpoint, implementing an anomaly detection system using ML is

entirely feasible due to advancements in both ML algorithms and available network
monitoring infrastructure. Network traffic data can be easily captured from existing devices
like routers, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems (IDS). Public datasets like the CICIDS
2017 provide a foundation for training and testing ML models, ensuring there is enough data
to accurately identify patterns of normal and anomalous traffic.

Various ML algorithms such as K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Random Forest, and

Support Vector Machines (SVM) are capable of classifying network traffic as either normal
or anomalous. These algorithms excel in detecting outliers in large datasets, making them
well-suited for analyzing the high volume and complexity of network traffic.The system can
be implemented on cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure) or on-premise servers,
depending on the organization's infrastructure. Cloud services provide scalable resources,
enabling real-time data processing and ensuring the system can handle large and growing
amounts of network traffic.

The system can process network traffic in real-time, allowing for immediate detection
and response to potential threats. Real-time anomaly detection ensures timely identification
of security breaches, minimizing the damage caused by cyberattacks.

3.4.2 Economic Feasibility

The economic feasibility of implementing ML-based anomaly detection is promising

due to the cost-effective nature of machine learning technologies and the substantial cost
savings provided by automation.The primary costs involved in setting up the system include
the purchase of network monitoring tools, cloud infrastructure or on-premises servers, and
software for data analysis. However, open-source machine learning libraries like TensorFlow,
Scikit-learn, and Keras significantly reduce software development and licensing costs.

Once the system is deployed, operational costs primarily consist of cloud storage,
computational resources, and system maintenance. Cloud platforms allow organizations to

10
scale their usage and pay for only the resources they use, making it economically efficient for
businesses of all sizes.By automating network anomaly detection, organizations can reduce
the need for manual monitoring and intervention, saving labor costs. Moreover, the system’s
ability to quickly detect and respond to cyberattacks helps prevent potential data breaches,
downtime, and other security incidents, which can result in significant financial losses. The
prevention of attacks and rapid threat mitigation leads to long-term cost savings and
improved security, making the system a valuable investment.

3.4.3 Operational Feasibility

Operationally, the system is highly feasible, as it integrates seamlessly into existing

network infrastructures and enhances security through automation.The system can be easily
integrated with existing network hardware, including routers, firewalls, and intrusion
detection systems (IDS). It can also integrate with Security Information and Event
Management (SIEM) systems, which provide comprehensive monitoring, logging, and
alerting functionalities.

As network traffic grows, the system can scale to handle larger datasets and higher
traffic volumes. Cloud-based deployments allow for on-demand scalability, ensuring that the
system remains efficient and effective as the organization’s needs evolve.

One of the key operational advantages is the automation of anomaly detection. The
system automatically monitors network traffic, detects anomalies, and generates alerts when
suspicious activity is identified. This reduces the workload on security teams and ensures that
threats are addressed in a timely manner, without requiring constant manual intervention.The
machine learning models used for anomaly detection can be continuously updated with new
data, ensuring that the system remains effective in detecting emerging threats. The system
adapts to new patterns and threats over time, improving its accuracy and reliability as it
processes more network traffic.

3.4.4 Legal and Compliance Feasibility

Legal and compliance considerations are essential when implementing any system
that analyzes network traffic. The anomaly detection system must comply with various data
privacy laws and cybersecurity regulations.The system must ensure that network traffic data,

11
especially sensitive data, is handled securely and in compliance with regulations such as
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA), and other local data protection laws. Implementing encryption,
data anonymization, and access control measures ensures that sensitive information is not
exposed during data processing.

The system should align with industry standards and best practices for cybersecurity,
such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001. Integrating the system with
SIEM tools helps organizations meet compliance requirements by providing detailed logs,
reports, and alerts that are essential for auditing and monitoring network security.The system
must be designed to detect anomalies without compromising user privacy or infringing on
ethical standards. The goal is to enhance security without violating personal privacy. By
anonymizing sensitive data and ensuring that detection processes adhere to ethical guidelines,
the system can be deployed in a manner that protects individual rights.

12
 3. SYSTEM DESIGN

4.1 DATA FLOW DIAGRAM

A Data Flow Diagram (DFD) is a traditional visual representation of the information

flows within a system. A neat and clear DFD can depict the right amount of the system
requirement graphically. It can be manual, automated, or a combination of both. It shows how
data enters and leaves the system, what changes the information, and where data is stored.
The objective of a DFD is to show the scope and boundaries of a system as a whole. It may
be used as a communication tool between a system analyst and any person who plays a part
in the order that acts as a starting point for redesigning a system. The DFD is also called as a
data flow graph or bubble chart.

Figure 4.1 DFD Diagram

13
4.2 USE CASE DIAGRAM
In UML, use-case diagrams model the behaviour of a system and help to capture
the requirements of the system. Use-case diagrams describe the high-level functions and
scope of a system. These diagrams also identify the interactions between the system and
its actors. The use cases and actors in use-case diagrams describe what the system does
and how the actors use it, but not how the system operates internally. Use-case diagrams
illustrate and define the context and requirements of either an entire system or the
important parts of the system. You can model a complex system with a single use-case
diagram, or create many use-case diagrams to model the components of the system. You
would typically develop use- case diagrams in the early phases of a project and refer to
them throughout the development process.

Figure 4.2 Usecase Diagram

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4.3 ACTIVITY DIAGRAM
Activity diagram is an important diagram in UML to describe the dynamic aspects
of the system. Activity diagram is basically a flowchart to represent the flow from one
activity to another activity. The activity can be described as an operation of the system.
The control flow is drawn from one operation to another. This flow can be sequential,
branched, or concurrent. Activity diagrams deal with all type of flow control by using
different elements such as fork, join, etc. The basic purposes of activity diagram are it
captures the dynamic behavior of the system. Activity diagram is used to show message
flow from one activity to another Activity is a particular operation of the system. Activity
diagrams are not only used for visualizing the dynamic nature of a system, but they are
also used to construct the executable system by using forward and reverse engineering
techniques.

Figure 4.3 Activity Diagram

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4.4 CLASS DIAGRAM

Figure 4.4 Class Diagram

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4.5 SEQUENCE DIAGRAM
The sequence diagram represents the flow of messages in the system and is also
termed as an event diagram. It helps in envisioning several dynamic scenarios. It portrays
the communication between any two lifelines as a time-ordered sequence of events, such
that these lifelines took part at the run time. In UML, the lifeline is represented by a
vertical bar, whereas the message flow is represented by a vertical dotted line that extends
across the bottom of the page. It incorporates the iterations as well as branching.

Figure 4.5 Sequence Diagram

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 4. SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION
5.1 MODULE DESCRIPTION

Network security has become a significant concern in today's digital world, with
cyber threats and attacks continuously evolving. Anomaly detection in network traffic using
machine learning is an advanced approach to identifying irregularities and potential threats
within a network. This module aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how
machine learning techniques can be leveraged to detect network anomalies effectively,
ensuring enhanced cybersecurity and proactive threat mitigation.The module begins with an
introduction to network traffic analysis, covering the fundamental concepts of normal and
abnormal network behavior. It explores the different types of anomalies, including network
intrusions, Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks, and other malicious activities that
pose a risk to security. Understanding these patterns is essential for designing effective
anomaly detection models that can distinguish between legitimate and suspicious activities.

A crucial part of this module focuses on data collection and preprocessing techniques,
which are essential for building accurate machine learning models. Participants will work
with real-world datasets such as CICIDS2017, applying data cleaning, feature selection, and
transformation techniques to prepare the data for analysis. Proper preprocessing ensures that
machine learning algorithms can efficiently learn patterns and make accurate predictions.The
module then delves into various machine learning approaches used for anomaly detection.
Supervised learning techniques such as Decision Trees, Random Forest, Support Vector
Machines (SVM), and Neural Networks are explored for detecting known attack patterns.
Additionally, unsupervised learning methods like K-Means Clustering, Autoencoders, and
Isolation Forest are introduced to detect novel anomalies in network traffic. By understanding
the strengths and limitations of each approach, participants can choose the most suitable
model for their specific use case.

Once the models are trained, evaluating their performance using appropriate metrics is
crucial. The module covers key evaluation techniques, including accuracy, precision, recall,
and F1-score, to ensure the reliability of the anomaly detection system. Through hands-on
exercises, participants will learn how to fine-tune models and improve their effectiveness in
detecting network threats.

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 Finally, the module emphasizes the practical implementation and deployment of
machine learning-based anomaly detection systems. Participants will explore how to integrate
their trained models with real-time network monitoring tools, enabling continuous
surveillance and early detection of security threats. The deployment phase ensures that the
developed solutions are not only theoretically sound but also applicable in real-world
cybersecurity scenarios.By the end of this module, participants will have a deep
understanding of how machine learning can be applied to network anomaly detection. They
will gain practical experience in building and deploying anomaly detection systems,
empowering them to contribute to stronger cybersecurity defenses. As cyber threats continue
to evolve, machine learning-based anomaly detection remains a crucial strategy for
safeguarding network infrastructures against malicious activities.

Figure 5.1. implementation process

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5.1.2 LIBRARIES USED

Scikit-learn (sklearn) is one of the most widely used machine learning libraries in
Python, built on top of NumPy, SciPy, and Matplotlib. It provides a wide range of tools for
machine learning, including classification, regression, clustering, and dimensionality
reduction. Scikit-learn also supports model selection techniques like cross-validation,
hyperparameter tuning, and performance evaluation using various metrics. With built-in
implementations of popular algorithms such as decision trees, support vector machines,
random forests, and neural networks, it simplifies the process of building and deploying
machine learning models. Additionally, it includes robust preprocessing utilities for handling
missing values, feature scaling, and transformation, making it an essential library for data
science projects.

Pandas is a powerful data manipulation and analysis library designed for handling
structured data efficiently. It provides two main data structures: Series, a one-dimensional
labeled array, and DataFrame, a two-dimensional table-like structure with labeled axes.
Pandas allows users to import, clean, filter, and analyze data from various sources, including
CSV, Excel, JSON, and SQL databases. It offers functionalities like data aggregation,
merging, reshaping, and time-series analysis, making it a go-to library for handling large
datasets. Its intuitive syntax and integration with NumPy make it a fundamental tool for data
science, enabling seamless exploratory data analysis (EDA) and preprocessing before
applying machine learning models.

Matplotlib is a widely used library for creating static, animated, and interactive
visualizations in Python. It provides a comprehensive set of plotting functions, allowing users
to generate line plots, bar charts, scatter plots, histograms, and more. Matplotlib enables
customization of plots with labels, legends, grid lines, and color mapping to enhance data
representation. It is particularly useful in data analysis, scientific computing, and machine
learning, where visualization plays a key role in understanding trends and patterns in data.
Matplotlib works seamlessly with Pandas and NumPy, making it a crucial component of the
data science ecosystem.

NumPy (Numerical Python) is the core library for numerical computing in Python,
providing support for multidimensional arrays and matrices, along with a collection of
mathematical functions to operate on these arrays. NumPy’s array object, ndarray, is

20
significantly faster and more memory-efficient than Python’s built-in lists, making it essential
for handling large-scale numerical computations. It includes functionalities for linear algebra,
random number generation, Fourier transformations, and advanced mathematical operations.
NumPy also forms the foundation of many other libraries, including Pandas, Scikit-learn, and
TensorFlow, due to its high-performance capabilities in handling numerical data.

5.1.3 Preprocessing Module

The preprocessing module is responsible for preparing raw network traffic data before
applying machine learning models. This step is crucial as network traffic logs often contain
missing values, redundant data, and inconsistencies that can negatively impact model
performance. The preprocessing steps include:

 Data Cleaning: Removing duplicate entries, handling missing values, and filtering out
irrelevant network packets.
 Normalization and Scaling: Standardizing feature values to ensure consistency and
improve model convergence.
 Encoding Categorical Variables: Converting protocol types, attack labels, and other
categorical attributes into numerical representations for machine learning models.
 Time Synchronization: Aligning network events to a common timeline to improve event
correlation and anomaly detection accuracy.
 Packet Aggregation: Combining multiple packets into flows based on source IP,
destination IP, port, and protocol to provide better insights into traffic behavior.

5.1.4 Statistics Module

The statistics module analyzes network traffic patterns using statistical techniques to
understand data distribution and detect anomalies. This module includes:

 Descriptive Statistics: Computing mean, median, standard deviation, and variance for
different network attributes.
 Correlation Analysis: Identifying relationships between features to detect unusual
dependencies.

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 Outlier Detection: Using statistical methods such as Z-score and quartile analysis to
identify anomalies.
 Entropy-Based Analysis: Measuring randomness in network flows to detect encrypted
or stealthy attacks.

Figure 5.1.4.1 attacks labels

Figure 5.1.4.2 Attacks on High numbers group

5.1.5 Attack Filter Module

The attack filter module is responsible for identifying and segregating attack traffic
from normal network behavior. Key functionalities include:

 Signature-Based Filtering: Identifying known attack patterns using predefined rules and
heuristics.

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 Anomaly Thresholding: Setting dynamic thresholds for network parameters to flag
suspicious activities.
 Traffic Classification: Categorizing network traffic into different attack types such as
DDoS, port scanning, and botnets.

Figure 5.1.5 Attacks vs benign counts in attack files

5.1.6 Feature Selection for Attack Files Module

This module selects the most important features specifically from attack-related data,
ensuring improved model accuracy and efficiency. Techniques used include:

 Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE): Iteratively removing less important features to

improve model performance.
 Mutual Information Gain: Identifying features that contribute the most to classifying
network traffic as an attack.
 Principal Component Analysis (PCA): Reducing feature dimensionality by
transforming correlated features into principal components.

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 Figure 5.1.6 Top 4 features on attack types

5.1.7 Feature Selection for All Data Module

Unlike the previous module, which focuses on attack-related data, this module selects
the most important features from the entire dataset, including both normal and attack traffic.
The goal is to enhance generalization and prevent overfitting. Key techniques include:

 Variance Thresholding: Removing low-variance features that do not contribute

significantly to detection.
 F-Test and ANOVA: Evaluating the statistical significance of each feature in
distinguishing between normal and attack traffic.

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 Random Forest Feature Importance: Using decision tree-based models to rank
features by their contribution to anomaly detection.

Figure 5.1.7 Top 7 features

5.1.8 Machine Learning Implementation for 28 Features Module

This module applies machine learning models using a feature set of 28 selected
attributes. The goal is to build a robust anomaly detection system capable of accurately
classifying network traffic. The implementation steps include:

 Nearest Neighbors Algorithm: Classifying network traffic based on similarity to known

data points.
 ID3 Decision Tree Algorithm: Using information gain and entropy to build a decision
tree for classifying network anomalies.
 Random Forest Algorithm: Applying an ensemble of decision trees to improve
accuracy and robustness.
 Performance Metrics: Measuring accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and ROC-AUC
to assess the model’s effectiveness.

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5.1.9 Machine Learning Implementation with 7 Features Module

This module focuses on implementing machine learning models with a reduced

feature set of only 7 key attributes. The goal is to achieve efficient computation while
maintaining high anomaly detection accuracy. The steps include:

 Feature Selection Optimization: Identifying the 7 most relevant features using feature
importance ranking methods.
 Lightweight Model Training: Training models such as Nearest Neighbors, ID3, and
Random Forest that perform well with fewer features.
 Comparative Analysis: Comparing the performance of 7-feature models with 28-feature
models to assess trade-offs between accuracy and efficiency.
 Real-Time Deployment: Implementing the lightweight model in a real-time monitoring
environment to detect anomalies with minimal computational overhead.

By integrating these modules, the anomaly detection system provides a comprehensive

solution for identifying malicious network activities while ensuring efficient processing,
effective feature selection, and high-accuracy machine learning models.

5.2 DATASETS

The CICIDS2017 (Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity Intrusion Detection

System 2017) dataset is one of the most widely used datasets for network anomaly
detection and intrusion detection system (IDS) research. It was developed by the Canadian
Institute for Cybersecurity (CIC) to provide a real-world dataset containing both normal
and attack traffic, making it highly suitable for training and evaluating machine learning
models for cybersecurity applications.

CICIDS2017 was created using real network traffic, capturing normal user behavior and
various types of cyberattacks. It includes detailed network flow features, ensuring a balanced
representation of benign and malicious traffic. The dataset contains labeled data, allowing
for both supervised and unsupervised learning approaches in intrusion detection.

Types of Attacks in CICIDS2017

The dataset covers a wide range of cyberattacks, categorized into different classes:

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The CICIDS2017 dataset contains the following attack types:

1. Bot
2. DDoS
3. DoS GoldenEye
4. DoS Hulk
5. DoS Slowhttptest
6. DoS Slowloris
7. FTP-Patator
8. Heartbleed
9. Infiltration
10. PortScan
11. SSH-Patator
12. Web Attack (includes SQL Injection, XSS, Command Injection)

Key Attributes of CICIDS2017

The dataset includes 80+ features extracted from network traffic, with a focus on
flow-based features. Some of the most important attributes include:

1. Basic Network Features

 Destination Port – The port to which traffic is directed.

 Flow Duration – The duration of a network session in milliseconds.
 Total Fwd Packets – The number of packets sent in the forward direction.
 Total Bwd Packets – The number of packets sent in the backward direction.

2. Time-Based Features

 Flow Bytes/s – The number of bytes per second in a traffic flow.

 Flow Packets/s – The number of packets per second in a traffic flow.
 Fwd Header Length – The total size of packet headers in the forward direction.

3. Statistical Features

 Mean Packet Length – The average length of packets in a flow.

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  Max Packet Length – The longest packet in a given flow.
 Packet Length Variance – The variation in packet sizes within a flow.

4. Behavior-Based Features

 Average Packet Arrival Time – The time interval between consecutive packets.
 Fwd Packet Length Mean – The average length of packets sent in the forward
direction.
 Bwd Packet Length Mean – The average length of packets sent in the backward
direction.

5. Flow-Based Features

 Fwd Packets/s – The rate of packets sent forward in a session.

 Bwd Packets/s – The rate of packets sent backward in a session.
 FIN, SYN, RST, PSH, ACK, URG Flags – Indicators of TCP flags in network
sessions, used to detect attack patterns.

6. Label (Target Variable)

 Label – The final classification of the network traffic as either benign (normal) or
malicious (attack type specified).

5.3 VALIDATION CHECKS

5.3.1 DATA VALIDATION CHECKS

Before training the model, the dataset should be alidated to ensure data integrity and
correctness.

a. Data Quality Checks

 Missing Values Handling: Ensure there are no missing or corrupted values in the
dataset. Use imputation techniques or remove incomplete rows if necessary.
 Feature Consistency: Verify that all features are properly formatted (e.g., categorical
variables are encoded, numerical values are normalized).

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  Data Duplication Check: Identify and remove duplicate records to prevent bias in
training.

b. Data Distribution Checks

 Feature Scaling and Normalization: Ensure that numerical features are standardized
(e.g., Min-Max Scaling, Z-score normalization).
 Class Imbalance Analysis: Check for imbalanced data and apply techniques like
SMOTE (Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique) or class-weighted loss
functions.
 Correlation Analysis: Validate that highly correlated features do not introduce
redundancy in the model.

5.3.2 MODEL VALIDATION CHECKS

After data preprocessing, the model must be validated to ensure it generalizes well to
unseen data.

a. Cross-Validation Techniques

 K-Fold Cross-Validation: Splitting the dataset into K parts and training the model on
different subsets to assess its performance.
 Stratified Sampling: Ensuring that each fold in cross-validation maintains the class
distribution to prevent bias.

b. Bias and Variance Analysis

 Underfitting Check: If the model has low accuracy on both training and test data, it
may be too simple. Consider increasing model complexity.
 Overfitting Check: If training accuracy is much higher than test accuracy, the model
may be overfitting. Techniques like dropout (for neural networks) or pruning (for
decision trees) can help.

c. Hyperparameter Tuning Validation

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  Grid Search / Random Search: Systematically testing different hyperparameter
combinations to find the best configuration.
 Early Stopping: Monitoring model performance to stop training when further
iterations do not improve validation loss.

5.3.3 Model Performance Validation Checks

Once the model is trained, performance metrics should be evaluated using test data.

a. Evaluation Metrics Validation

 Accuracy Validation: Ensuring accuracy is not misleading, especially in imbalanced

datasets.
 Precision, Recall, and F1-Score Checks:
o High Precision → Low False Positives (Good for preventing unnecessary
alerts).
o High Recall → Low False Negatives (Good for detecting actual attacks).
o Balanced F1-Score → A trade-off between Precision and Recall.
 ROC-AUC Score Validation: Ensuring the model effectively distinguishes between
normal and anomalous traffic.

b. Confusion Matrix Analysis

 False Positive Rate (FPR) Check: Ensuring the system does not generate too many
false alarms.
 False Negative Rate (FNR) Check: Ensuring real attacks are not misclassified as
normal traffic.

5.3.4 Real-time System Validation Checks

If the model is deployed in a real-time environment, additional validation checks must

be performed.

a. Performance and Latency Checks

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  Inference Speed Validation: Ensuring the model detects anomalies within an
acceptable response time (important for real-time applications).
 Resource Utilization Check: Validating CPU/GPU and memory consumption to
ensure efficient operation.

b. Robustness and Security Checks

 Adversarial Attack Resistance: Ensuring the model does not get easily fooled by
minor modifications in malicious data.
 Concept Drift Detection: Monitoring for changes in network behavior over time and
retraining the model periodically.
 Alert Validation: Checking whether the system generates actionable alerts with
minimal false positives.

5.4 ALGORITHM

5.4.1 Nearest Neighbors

The k-Nearest Neighbors (k-NN) algorithm offers a robust approach for anomaly
detection in network traffic by leveraging distance-based analysis to identify deviations from
normal behavior. As a non-parametric method, k-NN excels at detecting novel attack patterns
without requiring explicit assumptions about data distributions, making it particularly
valuable for evolving network threat landscapes. The technique operates by comparing new
network traffic observations against historical data, flagging instances that appear isolated
from normal traffic clusters as potential anomalies. This inherent adaptability allows the
method to detect both known attack signatures and previously unseen malicious activities that
exhibit abnormal characteristics compared to legitimate traffic patterns.In implementation,
network traffic features such as packet sizes, flow durations, protocol distributions, and
connection frequencies are transformed into a multidimensional feature space where distance
metrics can be applied effectively. The k-NN algorithm calculates the distances between a
new observation and its k nearest neighbors in the training set, with larger distances
indicating higher anomaly probabilities. For network security applications, modifications like
weighted k-NN or local outlier factor (LOF) enhancements prove valuable, as they account
for varying density in network behavior patterns across different services and time periods.

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 These adaptations help distinguish between legitimate but rare network events and
genuinely malicious activities that require security intervention.

The distance metric selection critically impacts k-NN's detection performance for
network traffic analysis. Euclidean distance serves as a common baseline, while Mahalanobis
distance often proves more effective by accounting for feature correlations inherent in
network traffic patterns. For high-dimensional network data, cosine similarity can better
capture directional relationships between feature vectors. Specialized distance measures that
incorporate temporal aspects of network flows, such as dynamic time warping for sequential
traffic patterns, further enhance detection capabilities for time-based attack detection like
slow port scans or periodic beaconing.Practical deployment of k-NN for network anomaly
detection requires careful optimization of the neighborhood parameter k. Smaller k values
increase sensitivity to local anomalies but may raise false positives on legitimate outlier
traffic, while larger k values provide more stable detection but risk missing subtle attacks.
Network security teams typically determine optimal k through cross-validation on historical
traffic data, balancing detection rates against operational constraints.

The algorithm's computational complexity presents challenges for real-time detection

in high-speed networks, prompting the use of approximate nearest neighbor techniques and
efficient data structures like k-d trees or ball trees for faster neighborhood queries.An
advantage of k-NN for network security lies in its interpretability compared to more complex
models. Security analysts can examine a flagged connection's nearest neighbors to understand
why it was classified as anomalous, supporting investigative workflows. This transparency
facilitates trust in the detection system and helps refine detection rules. However, the method
requires representative training data that comprehensively covers normal network behavior,
making continuous updates necessary as network infrastructures evolve. Hybrid approaches
that combine k-NN with other techniques, such as using its anomaly scores as features in
ensemble methods, often yield superior performance while maintaining the algorithm's
strengths in novelty detection.

Performance evaluation of k-NN for network anomaly detection must account for the
imbalanced nature of network security data, where anomalies represent a tiny fraction of total
traffic. Precision-recall curves typically provide more meaningful assessment than accuracy
metrics alone, with careful attention to the cost tradeoffs between false positives and false
negatives in operational environments. The method proves particularly effective for detecting

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distributed attacks that manifest as coordinated anomalies across multiple network segments,
as the neighborhood analysis naturally identifies these clustered deviations. As networks
grow in complexity and attack sophistication increases, k-NN remains a valuable tool in the
network security arsenal, especially when combined with modern scalability enhancements
and adaptive learning techniques.

5.4.2 ITERATIVE DICHOTOMISER

The Iterative Dichotomiser 3 (ID3) algorithm, a classic decision tree-based approach,

can be adapted for anomaly detection in network traffic by learning rules that distinguish
normal behavior from malicious activities. As a supervised learning method, ID3 constructs a
tree structure by recursively splitting the dataset based on feature attributes that maximize
information gain, effectively creating decision boundaries that separate benign traffic from
anomalies. When applied to network security, the algorithm processes features such as packet
size, protocol type, flow duration, source-destination patterns, and connection frequency to
build interpretable detection rules. Unlike distance-based or neural network approaches, ID3
produces human-readable decision paths, making it particularly valuable for security analysts
who require explainable alerts rather than black-box predictions.

For effective anomaly detection, the ID3 algorithm requires labeled network traffic
data where each instance is classified as either normal or malicious. The tree-growing process
begins by selecting the feature that best separates attack traffic from legitimate traffic,
typically using entropy or information gain as the splitting criterion. For example, the
algorithm might first split traffic based on protocol type (TCP/UDP/ICMP), then further
divide these branches using features like packet count or payload size, recursively creating
finer-grained decision rules. This hierarchical structure allows the model to capture complex
relationships in network behavior, such as identifying that short-duration, high-volume UDP
packets from unusual geographic locations frequently correspond to DDoS attacks. However,
the method faces challenges with continuous network features (e.g., packet arrival times),
requiring discretization techniques like binning or entropy-based partitioning to handle
numerical attributes effectively.

One significant advantage of ID3 in network security is its natural resistance to

irrelevant features, as the information gain metric automatically prioritizes the most
discriminative attributes for attack detection. This feature selection property proves valuable

33
in high-dimensional network data, where many captured attributes may be noise. Additionally,
the resulting decision tree can be directly translated into firewall rules or signature-based
detection logic, enabling seamless integration with existing security infrastructure. However,
the basic ID3 algorithm tends to overfit on training data, potentially creating overspecialized
trees that perform poorly on novel attack variants. Techniques like pre-pruning (limiting tree
depth) or post-pruning (simplifying learned trees) help maintain generalization, while
ensemble methods like boosting or random forests can enhance detection robustness by
combining multiple trees.

Practical implementation for network anomaly detection requires careful

preprocessing to handle the streaming, imbalanced nature of traffic data. Since ID3 processes
discrete attributes, continuous network measurements must be transformed—for instance,
converting byte counts into ranges (small/medium/large) or categorizing port numbers into
service groups. The algorithm's sensitivity to skewed class distributions (where attacks are
rare) necessitates sampling strategies or cost-sensitive learning that weights attack instances
more heavily during tree construction. For real-time deployment, the decision tree can be
efficiently executed on network devices, as tree traversal requires minimal computational
resources compared to complex models like neural networks. This efficiency makes ID3-
based detection suitable for edge network monitoring where hardware constraints exist.

While ID3 provides interpretability and fast inference, its effectiveness against
modern network threats has limitations. The algorithm struggles with detecting zero-day
attacks that don't match learned rules, and its static tree structure may fail to adapt to evolving
attack tactics. Hybrid approaches that combine ID3 with unsupervised anomaly detection or
online learning mechanisms help mitigate these weaknesses. For example, an ID3 tree could
handle known attack patterns while delegating novel anomalies to a secondary detector based
on clustering or statistical methods. Performance evaluation on network data must emphasize
recall for critical attack classes while controlling false positives that could overwhelm
security teams. Despite newer alternatives, ID3 remains relevant for scenarios requiring
transparent, rule-based detection—particularly in regulated environments where decision
accountability is mandated—and serves as a foundational component in more sophisticated
ensemble-based network intrusion detection systems.

Recent advancements have explored combining ID3 with real-time adaptive

techniques to address its limitations in dynamic network environments. One promising

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direction integrates incremental tree updates, allowing the model to refine its decision
boundaries as new traffic patterns emerge without complete retraining. Another approach
augments ID3 with anomaly scoring at leaf nodes, where instances falling into sparsely
populated tree branches receive higher anomaly likelihood estimates. These hybrid systems
leverage ID3's interpretability while incorporating the flexibility needed for modern network
defense, demonstrating how classical algorithms continue to inform next-generation security
solutions.

5.4.3 RANDOM FOREST

Random Forest, an ensemble learning method based on decision trees, has emerged as
a powerful approach for detecting anomalies in network traffic due to its robustness,
scalability, and ability to handle high-dimensional data. By constructing multiple decision
trees during training and aggregating their predictions, Random Forest mitigates the
overfitting problem common to single decision trees while maintaining interpretability
through feature importance analysis. In network security applications, the algorithm
processes diverse traffic features—including packet headers, flow statistics, protocol
behaviors, and temporal patterns—to distinguish between normal operations and malicious
activities such as intrusions, DDoS attacks, or data exfiltration attempts. The ensemble nature
of Random Forest enables it to capture complex, non-linear relationships in network data that
might elude simpler models, while its inherent randomness provides resilience against minor
variations in attack patterns that could bypass signature-based detection systems.

The strength of Random Forest for network anomaly detection lies in its dual
approach to handling data. Each tree in the forest is trained on a random subset of features
and a bootstrapped sample of the training data, ensuring diversity among the ensemble's
constituents. For anomaly detection, this means the model can identify multiple attack
signatures simultaneously—some trees might specialize in detecting port scans through
connection rate features, while others recognize malware traffic patterns through payload size
distributions. During inference, traffic instances classified as anomalous by a consensus of
trees trigger security alerts, with voting mechanisms (majority or weighted) determining the
final prediction. The algorithm's ability to compute anomaly scores based on the fraction of
trees flagging an instance as malicious provides a graduated assessment of threat severity,
allowing security teams to prioritize responses.

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Feature engineering plays a critical role in optimizing Random Forest for network security.
Effective implementations transform raw packet data into meaningful features such as flow
duration, bytes per packet, protocol mixtures, geographic irregularities, and temporal
behavior profiles. The algorithm's native support for both categorical (e.g., protocol type) and
continuous (e.g., packet inter-arrival time) variables eliminates the need for extensive data
transformation while handling missing values through surrogate splits in individual trees.
Random Forest's built-in feature importance metrics—calculated from the mean decrease in
impurity across all trees—enable security analysts to identify the most discriminative
network characteristics for attack detection, facilitating both model refinement and network
hardening efforts. This interpretability differentiates Random Forest from black-box methods
like deep learning, as security operators can trace alerts back to specific traffic attributes that
triggered the anomaly classification.

For real-world deployment, Random Forest offers several advantages suited to

network environments. The model's parallelizable training process scales efficiently to large
traffic datasets common in enterprise networks, while its prediction speed—determined by
the number and depth of trees—meets the latency requirements of real-time monitoring
systems. Unlike online learning algorithms, trained Random Forest models remain stable
against concept drift between retraining cycles, a valuable property given the periodic nature
of many network attacks. However, the algorithm's batch learning paradigm necessitates
strategies for handling evolving threats, such as scheduled model updates using recent attack
data or hybrid architectures where Random Forest handles known attack patterns while
complementary unsupervised methods detect novel anomalies.

Performance evaluation of Random Forest for network anomaly detection requires

careful consideration of operational constraints. While the algorithm typically achieves high
accuracy on imbalanced datasets—a common characteristic where attack instances are rare—
security teams must tune probability thresholds to balance detection rates against false
positives that could overwhelm analysts. Techniques like class weighting during training or
using precision-recall curves for evaluation help optimize this tradeoff. Comparative studies
have shown Random Forest outperforming single decision trees and linear models in
detecting sophisticated attacks like Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), where attackers
blend malicious activities with normal traffic patterns. The algorithm's effectiveness against
such stealthy attacks stems from its ability to combine weak indicators across multiple trees

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that individually might be insufficient for reliable detection but collectively provide robust
identification.

Recent advancements have enhanced Random Forest's applicability to modern

network defense scenarios. Deep Random Forest architectures incorporate neural network-
style feature learning while retaining the interpretability of tree-based methods, proving
particularly effective for encrypted traffic analysis where traditional features are obscured.
Another innovation integrates time-aware splitting criteria that account for temporal
dependencies in network flows, improving detection of multi-stage attacks that unfold over
extended periods. As networks face increasingly sophisticated threats, Random Forest
continues to evolve through hybrid systems that combine its strengths with other
paradigms—for example, using its anomaly scores as features in graph-based detection that
analyzes relationships between network entities, creating a more comprehensive security
monitoring framework.

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5.5 SAMPLE DATASETS

5.5.1 SAMPLE TEST DATASET

Figure 5.5.1 Sample test dataset

5.5.2 SAMPLE TEST DATASETS

Figure 5.5.2 Sample test dataset

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5.5.3 SAMPLE TRAINING DATASETS

Figure 5.5.3 Sample training dataset

5.5.4 SAMPLE TRAINING DATASETS

Figure 5.5.4 Sample training dataset

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 5. TESTING
6.1 TESTCASES
6.1.1 Preprocessing Validation

Data preprocessing is the first crucial step where raw network traffic data is cleaned
and prepared for analysis. Testing in this stage ensures that missing values are handled
correctly, categorical data is encoded properly, and numerical features are normalized. It is
essential to validate that all transformations applied to the dataset do not introduce
inconsistencies or data loss. Additionally, test cases must confirm that data loading and
saving functions operate without errors. A well-preprocessed dataset ensures that subsequent
ML models receive high-quality input for training

 TC-001: Validate dataset loading

 The dataset should load without missing or corrupted data.

 TC-002: Check handling of missing values

 Missing values should be replaced or removed.

 TC-003: Verify categorical data encoding

 All categorical variables should be transformed into numerical format.

 TC-004: Validate normalization of numerical features

 Numerical data should be scaled appropriately (e.g., Min-Max Scaling).

6.1.2 Statistical Analysis Verification

Once the data is preprocessed, statistical analysis helps in understanding the
dataset’s distribution, class imbalance, and outliers. Testing in this phase involves
validating statistical calculations such as mean, median, and standard deviation to confirm
accuracy. Additionally, verifying class distributions is crucial to ensure that attack and
normal traffic are appropriately balanced or handled using techniques such as
oversampling or undersampling.

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 TC-005: Validate mean, median, and standard deviation

 Statistical calculations should match expected values.

 TC-006: Check data distribution

 Distribution should be normal or as expected without distortions.

 TC-007: Ensure proper class balance analysis

 Attack and normal traffic should be identified correctly.

6.1.3 Attack Filtering Testing

Anomaly detection relies on correctly identifying attack traffic within the dataset. The
attack filtering process must be tested to ensure that attack samples are accurately separated
from normal traffic. This step involves checking whether all known attack patterns are
correctly classified and filtering out mislabeled data. Test cases should ensure that no
legitimate traffic is mistakenly marked as an attack, as false positives could lead to
unnecessary alerts in a realworld deployment.

 TC-008: Identify and separate attack traffic

 All known attacks should be filtered out accurately.

 TC-009: Validate correct classification of normal vs. attack traffic

 No normal traffic should be mistakenly labeled as an attack.

6.1.4 Feature Selection for Attack Files

Feature selection is a crucial step in reducing dataset dimensionality while
retaining essential information for anomaly detection. Testing feature selection on attack
files involves validating that the most relevant features are chosen based on correlation,
feature importance scores, or statistical methods. Ensuring that redundant or irrelevant
features are removed improves the model’s efficiency and interpretability. Additionally,

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this phase requires testing the consistency of feature selection techniques across different
attack scenarios.

 TC-010: Validate feature selection algorithm

• Important attack-related features should be retained.

 TC-011: Ensure removal of redundant features

• Unimportant features should be removed without affecting detection accuracy.

6.1.5 Feature Selection for All Data

Similar to attack-specific feature selection, selecting the best features for the entire
dataset is necessary for effective model training. Testing in this phase ensures that features
chosen for the complete dataset maintain strong predictive power while reducing
computational complexity. Methods such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) or
mutual informationbased selection must be validated to confirm that they retain at least
90% of the dataset’s variance. The selected features should optimize both performance and
processing speed.

 TC-012: Validate overall feature selection process

• Selected features should be based on correlation and importance.

 TC-013: Verify impact of dimensionality reduction

• PCA or other selection methods should retain 90%+ variance.

6.1.6 ML Implementation with 28 Features

To analyze feature effectiveness, an ML model is implemented using a set of 28
selected features. Testing in this phase involves ensuring that the model properly utilizes
these features without performance degradation. Model training and testing processes must
be validated to confirm that the chosen feature set provides high detection accuracy.
Additionally, execution time, computational efficiency, and false positive rates should be
measured to evaluate the tradeoffs between feature quantity and model performance.

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 TC-016: Train model with 28 features

 Model should train without issues.

 TC-017: Evaluate model performance

 Precision and recall should be >90%.

6.1.8 ML Implementation with 7 Features

To assess model efficiency with fewer features, another ML model is implemented
using only 7 selected features. Testing focuses on ensuring that the model maintains
acceptable accuracy despite reduced feature input. Feature reduction should ideally
improve inference speed without significant drops in precision or recall. This stage
includes comparative analysis to determine if fewer features can achieve similar or better
results while optimizing processing time.

 TC-018: Train model with 7 features

 Model should complete training successfully.

 TC-019: Compare accuracy with 18-feature model

 F1-score should remain >85%.

6.2 CROSS-VALIDATION TESTING

Cross-validation is a crucial technique for evaluating the performance of machine

learning models, especially in anomaly detection for network traffic. It ensures that the model
generalizes well to unseen data, rather than just memorizing patterns from the training dataset.
Since network anomaly detection often involves imbalanced datasets, where normal traffic
significantly outweighs malicious activities, choosing the right cross-validation method is
essential for obtaining reliable results.

One of the most commonly used methods is k-Fold Cross-Validation, where the
dataset is divided into k equal parts (or folds). The model is trained on k−1k-1k−1 folds and

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tested on the remaining fold. This process is repeated k times, with each fold serving as the
test set once. The final performance metric is averaged across all folds. This method ensures
that the model is evaluated on different subsets of data, reducing bias and providing a more
robust estimate of its performance. However, standard k-Fold cross-validation may not be
ideal for anomaly detection since anomalies are rare and might not be evenly distributed
across folds.

To address class imbalance, Stratified k-Fold Cross-Validation is used. In this

approach, each fold maintains the same proportion of normal and anomalous traffic as in the
original dataset. This prevents the model from being trained on folds that contain too few
anomalies, which could lead to poor generalization. Stratified k-Fold is particularly useful for
datasets like CICIDS2017, where attack instances are much fewer compared to normal traffic.
By preserving the class distribution, the model learns to detect anomalies effectively without
being biased toward the majority class.

For time-series network traffic data, such as in Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), Time-
Based Cross-Validation is more suitable. In this approach, the model is trained on past data
and tested on future data, mimicking real-world deployment scenarios. This ensures that the
model can detect emerging threats over time. Unlike traditional k-Fold cross-validation,
where data is randomly shuffled, time-based validation respects the chronological order of
network traffic, making it highly applicable for real-time anomaly detection.

Cross-validation not only helps in assessing the model’s generalization but also
prevents overfitting. Without proper validation, a model might perform well on the training
data but fail in real-world applications due to unseen network traffic patterns. By carefully
choosing the appropriate cross-validation technique based on the dataset characteristics,
anomaly detection models can be fine-tuned for better accuracy and reliability.

6.3 HOLDOUT TESTING

Holdout testing is one of the most fundamental evaluation techniques used in machine
learning, including network anomaly detection. It involves splitting the dataset into separate
training, validation, and testing sets to assess the model’s performance on unseen data.
This method provides a straightforward way to measure how well an anomaly detection
model generalizes to real-world network traffic. Unlike cross-validation, which repeatedly

44
partitions data into multiple subsets, holdout testing is a single-shot evaluation method that is
computationally efficient and easy to implement.

In network anomaly detection, the dataset typically consists of normal traffic and a
smaller fraction of anomalous traffic, such as cyberattacks or unusual network behaviors. The
dataset is divided into three parts: training set (typically 60–70%), validation set (10–20%),
and test set (20–30%). The training set is used to build the model by learning the normal and
anomalous patterns in network traffic. The validation set helps tune hyperparameters and
select the best-performing model, ensuring that it does not overfit the training data. Finally,
the test set evaluates the model’s ability to detect unseen anomalies, providing an unbiased
estimate of its real-world performance.

One of the biggest challenges in holdout testing for anomaly detection is the class
imbalance problem. In network datasets like CICIDS2017, normal traffic vastly
outnumbers attack instances. If the split is not carefully managed, the test set might contain
very few or no anomalies, leading to unreliable performance estimates. To mitigate this,
stratified sampling is often used, ensuring that the train and test sets maintain the same
proportion of normal and anomalous data as the original dataset. This helps the model learn a
balanced representation of network traffic while maintaining a realistic evaluation scenario.

holdout testing is a valuable technique for assessing anomaly detection models in

network traffic analysis. When combined with strategies like stratified sampling and time-
based splits, it can provide meaningful insights into a model’s ability to detect cyber threats.
However, for more reliable performance evaluation, holdout testing is often complemented
with cross-validation techniques to ensure that the model generalizes well across different
traffic patterns.

6.4 PERFORMANCE TESTING

Evaluating the performance of a machine learning model for network anomaly

detection requires a robust set of metrics to ensure accuracy, reliability, and real-world
applicability. Since anomaly detection often involves highly imbalanced datasets, traditional
accuracy measures can be misleading. Instead, metrics such as Precision, Recall, F1-Score,
and the ROC-AUC curve are commonly used to assess the model's effectiveness.

45
 Precision and Recall are crucial for determining the model’s ability to correctly
identify network anomalies. Precision measures the proportion of detected anomalies that are
truly anomalous, calculated as Precision=TPTP+FPPrecision = \frac{TP}{TP + FP}, where
TP represents true positives and FP represents false positives. A high precision score
indicates fewer false alarms, which is essential in real-world applications where security
teams must prioritize genuine threats. Recall, also known as the detection rate, measures the
proportion of actual anomalies that the model correctly identifies. It is given by
Recall=TPTP+FNRecall = \frac{TP}{TP + FN}, where FN represents false negatives. A high
recall score ensures that the model does not overlook critical threats. However, there is often
a trade-off between precision and recall, necessitating a balanced approach.

To address this trade-off, the F1-Score is used as a harmonic mean of precision and recall:

F1=2×Precision×RecallPrecision+RecallF1 = 2 \times \frac{Precision \times

Recall}{Precision + Recall}

A higher F1-Score signifies that the model maintains a good balance between
detecting real anomalies and minimizing false positives. In anomaly detection, where false
negatives can be costly, a strong F1-Score is a reliable indicator of model performance.

Additionally, other metrics such as the False Positive Rate (FPR) and False
Negative Rate (FNR) provide deeper insights into model performance. A high FPR means
the system generates too many false alarms, making it impractical for real-time deployment.
Conversely, a high FNR indicates that many true threats go undetected, which can be
catastrophic in cybersecurity applications.

46
 7. RESULT AND CONCLUSION
7.1 RESULT

Figure 7.1 Result of Top 3 algorithms

Top 3 ML Algorithms

1. Nearest Neighbors (KNN) – Best Accuracy (0.98)

• Achieves the highest accuracy and F1-score, making it the most reliable model.
• However, it has a high execution time (254s), which can be a drawback for
large datasets.

2. ID3 (Decision Tree) – Balanced Choice

• Provides high accuracy (0.96) with good recall (0.91) and F1-score (0.93).
• Faster than KNN (only 13.99s), making it a good balance between accuracy
and speed.

3. Random Forest – Robust and Reliable

• Accuracy (0.95) and F1-score (0.89) are slightly lower than ID3.
• More computationally expensive (25s) but still efficient for real-world
applications.

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7.2 CONCLUSION

Anomaly detection in network traffic is a critical aspect of cybersecurity, ensuring

that malicious activities such as intrusions, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, and
other network threats are identified and mitigated promptly. Machine learning (ML) has
emerged as a powerful tool for detecting these anomalies, offering automated and efficient
solutions that surpass traditional rule-based detection methods. By leveraging ML algorithms,
network security systems can analyze large volumes of data, recognize patterns, and classify
traffic behavior with high accuracy.The study of various machine learning algorithms for
anomaly detection reveals that different models offer distinct advantages. Nearest Neighbors
(KNN) demonstrated the highest accuracy and F1-score, making it an effective choice for
detecting anomalies, though it comes with higher computational costs. Decision Trees (ID3)
provided a balance between accuracy and computational efficiency, making it suitable for
real-time anomaly detection. Random Forest, known for its robustness, also performed well,
providing stable and reliable anomaly classification. Models such as Naïve Bayes and
Quadratic Discriminant Analysis (QDA) exhibited lower accuracy, indicating their limited
suitability for high-performance anomaly detection tasks.Despite the effectiveness of ML-
based anomaly detection, several challenges must be addressed.

The computational overhead of certain models, such as Multi-Layer Perceptron

(MLP) and AdaBoost, can hinder real-time detection in large-scale networks. Additionally,
the dynamic nature of cyber threats necessitates continuous model training and adaptation to
emerging attack patterns. Feature selection and data preprocessing play crucial roles in
improving detection efficiency while reducing false positives and false negatives. Moreover,
integrating ML-based anomaly detection with traditional security mechanisms, such as
firewalls and intrusion detection systems, can enhance overall network defense
strategies.Future advancements in anomaly detection should focus on hybrid models that
combine multiple ML techniques to improve detection accuracy and efficiency. The use of
deep learning, reinforcement learning, and ensemble learning approaches can further enhance
the adaptability of anomaly detection systems. Additionally, incorporating explainable AI
(XAI) can help security analysts interpret model decisions and improve trust in automated
detection systems.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, leveraging ML-driven anomaly detection will

remain a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity frameworks, ensuring robust protection against

48
sophisticated attacks.In conclusion, machine learning has revolutionized anomaly detection in
network traffic, offering scalable, efficient, and accurate solutions for identifying security
threats. While challenges remain, ongoing research and advancements in AI-driven security
solutions will continue to strengthen network defense mechanisms. By selecting the
appropriate ML models and optimizing their deployment, organizations can significantly
enhance their ability to detect and respond to network anomalies in real time, ensuring a
secure and resilient cyber infrastructure.

7.3 FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS

The future of anomaly detection in network traffic using machine learning (ML) holds
significant potential for improving cybersecurity frameworks. With the rapid evolution of
cyber threats, traditional ML models must adapt and evolve to effectively detect new and
sophisticated attacks. One promising advancement is the integration of deep learning
techniques, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and recurrent neural networks
(RNNs), to enhance pattern recognition and sequence analysis in network traffic. These
models can process vast amounts of real-time data, improving the accuracy and efficiency of
anomaly detection.Another key area of advancement is the implementation of hybrid models
that combine multiple machine learning approaches. Ensemble learning methods, such as
stacking and boosting, can merge the strengths of various classifiers to achieve higher
detection rates and lower false positives. Additionally, reinforcement learning can be utilized
to continuously improve detection strategies by learning from past network anomalies and
adapting to emerging threats. The integration of explainable AI (XAI) will also play a crucial
role, ensuring that security analysts can interpret and trust the decisions made by ML models.

The use of federated learning is another promising direction in anomaly detection. By

enabling decentralized model training across multiple devices or network nodes without
transferring raw data, federated learning enhances privacy and reduces the risk of data
breaches. This approach is particularly beneficial for large-scale networks, such as cloud
infrastructures and IoT environments, where data security and efficiency are paramount.
Furthermore, leveraging graph-based anomaly detection can improve the identification of
malicious behaviors by analyzing relationships and dependencies within network traffic
data.Real-time anomaly detection is a critical focus area, as delays in identifying cyber

49
threats can lead to severe consequences. Advancements in edge computing will allow
anomaly detection models to operate closer to data sources, reducing latency and enabling
faster threat response. Additionally, the incorporation of adversarial machine learning
techniques will help strengthen models against adversarial attacks, ensuring their resilience
against attempts to manipulate detection systems.

Finally, as cyber threats continue to evolve, continuous learning mechanisms will

become essential in anomaly detection frameworks. Self-learning and adaptive ML models
will enable automated updates without manual intervention, ensuring that detection systems
remain effective against newly emerging threats. Regulatory compliance and ethical AI
development will also be crucial, ensuring that ML-driven anomaly detection aligns with
global cybersecurity standards and privacy laws.Future advancements in anomaly detection
using ML will focus on deep learning, hybrid models, federated learning, real-time
processing, and continuous adaptation. By integrating these technologies, organizations can
build robust and intelligent network security systems capable of effectively mitigating cyber
threats and ensuring the integrity of digital infrastructures.

50
 8. APPENDICES

8.1 SCREEN SHOTS

Figure 8.1.1 Preprocessing

Figure 8.1.2 Statistics for filtering attack types

51
 Figure 8.1.3 Top 7 feature selection for all data

Figure 8.1.4 ML implementation for Top 7 feature

52
8.2 SAMPLE CODING

8.2.1 MACHINE LEARNING IMPLEMENTATION FOR TOP 7 FEATURE

from sklearn import metrics

from sklearn.discriminant_analysis import QuadraticDiscriminantAnalysis as QDA

from sklearn.ensemble import ExtraTreesClassifier

from sklearn.ensemble import RandomForestClassifier, AdaBoostClassifier

from sklearn.metrics import average_precision_score

from sklearn.metrics import confusion_matrix

from sklearn.model_selection import train_test_split

from sklearn.naive_bayes import GaussianNB

from sklearn.neighbors import KNeighborsClassifier

from sklearn.neural_network import MLPClassifier

from sklearn.tree import DecisionTreeClassifier

from sklearn.metrics import f1_score

from sklearn.metrics import recall_score

from sklearn.metrics import precision_score

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

import numpy as np

%matplotlib inline

import os

import pandas as pd

import csv

import time

import warnings

import math

53
warnings.filterwarnings("ignore")

result="./results/results_3.csv" #a CSV file is named in which the results are saved.

csv_files=["all_data.csv"]# CSV files names: #The names of the dataset files (csv_files).

path=""

repetition=3

def folder(f_name): #this function creates a folder named "results" and "result_graph_1" in
the program directory.

try:

if not os.path.exists(f_name):

os.makedirs(f_name)

except OSError:

print ("The folder could not be created!")

folder_name="./results/"

folder(folder_name)

folder_name="./results/result_graph_3/"

folder(folder_name)

#The machine learning algorithms to be used are defined in a dictionary (ml_list).

ml_list={

"Naive Bayes":GaussianNB(),

"QDA":QDA(),

"Random Forest":RandomForestClassifier(max_depth=5, n_estimators=10, max_features=1),

"ID3" :DecisionTreeClassifier(max_depth=5,criterion="entropy"),

"AdaBoost":AdaBoostClassifier(),

"MLP":MLPClassifier(hidden_layer_sizes=(13,13,13),max_iter=500),

"Nearest Neighbors":KNeighborsClassifier(3)}

#list of all columns to be imported

54
f1.append(float(f_1))

accuracy.append(clf.score(X_test, y_test))

t_time.append(float((time.time()-second)) )

print ('%-17s %-17s %-15s %-15s %-15s %-15s %-15s' % (j[0:-

4],ii,str(round(np.mean(accuracy),2)),str(round(np.mean(precision),2)),

str(round(np.mean(recall),2)),str(round(np.mean(f1),2)),str(round(np.mean(t_time),4))))#the
result of the ten repetitions is printed on the screen.

with open(result, "a", newline="",encoding="utf-8") as f: # all the values found are saved in
the opened file.

wrt = csv.writer(f)

for i in range(0,len(t_time)):

wrt.writerow([j[0:-4],ii,accuracy[i],precision[i],recall[i],f1[i],t_time[i]])#file name, algorithm

name, precision, recall and f-measure are writed in CSV file

# In this section, Box graphics are created for the results of machine learning algorithms and
saved in the feaure_graph folder.

# In this section, Box graphics are created for the results of machine learning algorithms and
saved in the feature_graph folder.

plt.boxplot(f1)

plt.title("All Dataset - " + str(ii))

plt.ylabel('F-measure')

plt.savefig(folder_name + j[0:-4] + str(ii) + ".pdf", bbox_inches='tight', orientation='portrait',

format='pdf')

plt.show() # you can remove the # sign if you want to see the graphics simultaneously

print("mission accomplished!")

55
8.3 USER DOCUMENTATION

 Hardware:
o Minimum 8GB RAM
o At least 100GB of storage
o Multi-core processor
 Software:
o Python 3.8+
o Required Libraries: scikit-learn, pandas, numpy, matplotlib, tensorflow/keras
(if using deep learning)
o Dataset: CICIDS2017

8.3.1 Installation Guide

1. Install Python (if not installed):

sudo apt-get install python3

2. Create a virtual environment:

python3 -m venv anomaly_env

source anomaly_env/bin/activate # For Linux/macOS
anomaly_env\Scripts\activate # For Windows

3. Install required dependencies:

pip install -r requirements.txt

(Ensure requirements.txt includes all necessary libraries)

4. Download the dataset:

 Visit CICIDS2017 dataset

 Extract and place it in the dataset folder

8.3 Glossary

Anomaly detection refers to the process of identifying patterns or behaviors in

network traffic that deviate significantly from normal activity. This helps in detecting
potential security threats such as cyber-attacks, malware, and unauthorized
access.CICIDS2017 is a well-known dataset used in intrusion detection research. It contains
labeled network traffic data with normal and attack scenarios, making it useful for training
and testing machine learning models.

Feature engineering is the process of transforming raw network traffic data into
meaningful variables or features that enhance the accuracy of anomaly detection models. This

56
includes selecting important attributes and applying normalization techniques.False positives
occur when normal network traffic is incorrectly flagged as an anomaly. Reducing false
positives is essential for minimizing unnecessary alerts and improving system reliability.

False negatives refer to instances where actual anomalies go undetected. A high rate
of false negatives can lead to security breaches, as malicious activities remain unnoticed.An
Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is a cybersecurity tool that monitors network traffic for
malicious activities or policy violations. IDS can be based on signature detection, anomaly
detection, or a combination of both.

A machine learning model is an algorithm trained to identify patterns in network

traffic and classify data points as normal or anomalous. Common models used in anomaly
detection include Random Forest, Support Vector Machines (SVM), and deep learning
approaches.Preprocessing is a crucial step that involves cleaning, normalizing, and encoding
network traffic data before training machine learning models. Proper preprocessing ensures
that models learn effectively from the data.

Random Forest Classifier is an ensemble learning method that builds multiple

decision trees and combines their outputs to improve classification accuracy. It is widely used
for anomaly detection due to its robustness and interpretability.StandardScaler is a data
preprocessing technique that standardizes features by removing the mean and scaling them to
unit variance. This helps machine learning models perform better on numerical datasets.

Supervised learning is a machine learning approach where models are trained on

labeled datasets to learn the distinction between normal and anomalous network traffic. It is
commonly used for network anomaly detection tasks.

8.5 PROJECT RECOGNITIONS

The anomaly detection project has made significant contributions to the field of
network security by identifying unusual patterns in real-time traffic data. Its effectiveness in
improving intrusion detection systems has been widely acknowledged by cybersecurity
professionals and academic institutions. By utilizing machine learning techniques, the project
enhances the accuracy of identifying potential threats, thereby strengthening network
defenses.This project has served as a benchmark for evaluating various machine learning
models used in cybersecurity research. Researchers and industry professionals have used its

57
methodology to develop advanced solutions for detecting anomalies in network traffic. The
model's adaptability has led to its implementation in multiple network security studies,
proving its efficiency in combating cyber threats.

Additionally, the project has been showcased at various cybersecurity conferences

and workshops, where experts have discussed its impact on real-world network security
applications. These presentations have demonstrated the potential of AI-driven techniques in
mitigating cyber threats, emphasizing the role of anomaly detection in modern security
infrastructures.Organizations have recognized the project’s approach and integrated similar
methodologies into their security frameworks. The implementation of such techniques has
led to improved threat detection, proactive monitoring, and early warning systems, helping
businesses prevent security breaches before they escalate.

A key strength of this project is its ability to detect zero-day attacks and unknown
anomalies, which are some of the most challenging threats in cybersecurity. Unlike
traditional security systems that rely on predefined attack signatures, this machine learning-
based approach identifies deviations from normal network behavior, making it highly
effective against new and evolving cyber threats.By combining AI and cybersecurity, this
project has significantly influenced advancements in network security. It has set a new
standard for proactive threat detection, inspiring further research and innovation in the field.
Its impact extends beyond academic research, as practical implementations have shown
promising results in securing critical network infrastructures worldwide.

58
9. REFERENCES

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2. Ring, M., Wunderlich, S., Scheuring, D., Landes, D., & Hotho, A. (2019). A Survey of
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4. Chandola, V., Banerjee, A., & Kumar, V. (2009). Anomaly Detection: A Survey. ACM
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