Advanced Android Malware Detection through Deep Learning Optimization

Abstract

Android stands out as one of the most prevalent mobile operating systems globally, due to its widespread adoption and open-source nature. However, its susceptibility to malware attacks, facilitated by the ability to install third-party applications without centralized control, poses significant security challenges. Despite efforts to integrate security measures, the proliferation of malicious activities and vulnerabilities emphasizes the need for advanced detection techniques. This study implemented and optimized Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Neural Network (NN) models for malware detection on the Android platform. Leveraging meticulous hyperparameter tuning and robust data preprocessing techniques, this study aimed to increase the efficacy of LSTM and NN models in identifying and mitigating various forms of malware. The results demonstrate remarkable performance, with the LSTM model achieving an accuracy of 99.24%, precision of 99.07%, recall of 98.79%, and F1-score of 98.93%, and the NN model attaining an accuracy of 99.18%, precision of 99.02%, recall of 98.84%, and F1-score of 98.93%. By addressing these challenges and achieving such high levels of accuracy and effectiveness, this study contributes significantly to the ongoing endeavor to fortify defenses against cyber threats, thus fostering a safer digital environment for users worldwide.