Integrating Explainable AI (XAI) for Improved Malware Detection and Analysis

Sivaram, Sneha (2024) Integrating Explainable AI (XAI) for Improved Malware Detection and Analysis. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Malware has significantly evolved over the decades, transitioning from simple viruses to complex threats such as Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). This evolution requires robust and advanced detection methods. Traditional methods, including signature-based malware detection, struggle with obfuscated and novel malware. This research integrates machine learning (ML) models: Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Random Forest with Explainable (XAI) techniques, specifically LIME (Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations), to improve malware detection system’s accuracy and interpretability. Using a malware memory dump dataset, the Logistic Regression model achieved the highest accuracy of 99.94%, while the Random Forest model showed signs of overfitting. To utilise the full potential of this XAI-based malware detection system, an email alert system was incorporated to send alerts to the administrator with proper explanations made by the XAI technique whenever the system detects potential malware.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Supervisors:	Name Email McCabe, Liam UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics > Electronic computers. Computer science T Technology > T Technology (General) > Information Technology > Electronic computers. Computer science Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology > Methods of research. Technique. Experimental biology > Data processing. Bioinformatics > Artificial intelligence Q Science > Q Science (General) > Self-organizing systems. Conscious automata > Artificial intelligence Q Science > QA Mathematics > Computer software > Computer Security T Technology > T Technology (General) > Information Technology > Computer software > Computer Security Q Science > Q Science (General) > Self-organizing systems. Conscious automata > Machine learning
Divisions:	School of Computing > Master of Science in Cyber Security
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	28 Jul 2025 11:14
Last Modified:	28 Jul 2025 11:14
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/8259

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