From Bytes to Insights: A Systematic Literature Review on Unraveling IDS Datasets for Enhanced Cybersecurity Understanding

Abstract

In the wake of the expanding digital realm, the imperative for robust cybersecurity measures has burgeoned significantly. This extensive investigation digs into the complicated realm of cybersecurity datasets, with the goal of improving our understanding and implementation of these critical tools. This study's comprehensive evaluation of 37 distinct datasets shows a complicated world in which no one dataset stands out as totally suitable for all uses. A precise balance must be struck between crucial dataset qualities such as diversity, authenticity, and usefulness. Using a complete assessment technique, this paper illuminates the challenges and possibilities that developers and researchers face in the field of cybersecurity datasets. Although some databases accurately identify certain forms of cyberattacks, their coverage may not include the whole range of cyber threats. On the other hand, datasets with a strong emphasis on accurate portrayal may forgo comprehensiveness or practical use. This intricacy is heightened by the dynamic and sophisticated nature of cyber threats, emphasizing the delicate balance required between accuracy and practicality. The study emphasizes the necessity of selecting datasets strategically and contextually for cybersecurity studies, with the goal of matching research objectives with the most appropriate dataset selections. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need of continual cooperation and innovation within the cybersecurity community in developing datasets that accurately represent the ever-changing nature of cyber threats. After analyzing 37 cybersecurity datasets, it is obvious that no one dataset can meet all of the field's unique demands, demonstrating the need of a flexible, adaptable, and developing dataset for intrusion detection systems (IDS). This inquiry offers a critical assessment of dataset characteristics and their related issues, providing essential insights for academics, professionals, and dataset creators, enabling the construction of a more resilient and adaptable cybersecurity infrastructure.