NEAE: NeuroEvolution AutoEncoder for anomaly detection in internet traffic data

Abnormal behaviors degrade overall system efficiency and may lead to system suspension. Extensive academic research has focused on anomaly detection across various sectors, including industrial, information security, and artificial intelligence. In this study, we propose a NeuroEvolution AutoEncoder (NEAE) for classifying and predicting abnormalities in internet-based applications. The NEAE is genetically programmed to process dataset features that encompass abnormal behaviors in internet activities. Our approach targets multivariate anomalies using parallel dimension processing, aiming for synchronized intelligence. Genetic programming is central to our technique, enhancing optimization. We evaluate our proposed technique using a substantial internet-based dataset, specifically network traffic. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the NEAE in detecting abnormalities based on performance metrics. Given its relevance and integration with diverse industries such as the Internet of Things, wireless communication, network traffic, and the web, we choose an Internet-based application dataset to validate the NEAE’s performance.