Bello Musa Yakubu^1,*, Nor Shahida Mohd Jamail ², Rabia Latif ², Seemab Latif ³

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.86, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.072426 - 12 January 2026

Abstract Federated Learning (FL) enables joint training over distributed devices without data exchange but is highly vulnerable to attacks by adversaries in the form of model poisoning and malicious update injection. This work proposes Secured-FL, a blockchain-based defensive framework that combines smart contract–based authentication, clustering-driven outlier elimination, and dynamic threshold adjustment to defend against adversarial attacks. The framework was implemented on a private Ethereum network with a Proof-of-Authority consensus algorithm to ensure tamper-resistant and auditable model updates. Large-scale simulation on the Cyber Data dataset, under up to 50% malicious client settings, demonstrates Secured-FL achieves 6%–12% higher accuracy, More >

Hanaa Nafea¹, Awais Qasim², Sana Abdul Sattar², Adeel Munawar³, Muhammad Nadeem Ali⁴, Byung-Seo Kim^4,*

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.86, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.072281 - 12 January 2026

Abstract The increased connectivity and reliance on digital technologies have exposed smart transportation systems to various cyber threats, making intrusion detection a critical aspect of ensuring their secure operation. Traditional intrusion detection systems have limitations in terms of centralized architecture, lack of transparency, and vulnerability to single points of failure. This is where the integration of blockchain technology with signature-based intrusion detection can provide a robust and decentralized solution for securing smart transportation systems. This study tackles the issue of database manipulation attacks in smart transportation networks by proposing a signature-based intrusion detection system. The introduced More >

Haohui Su¹, Xuan Zhang^1,*, Lvjun Zheng¹, Xiaojie Shen², Hua Liao¹

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.86, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.072093 - 12 January 2026

Abstract Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks pose severe threats to Industrial Control Networks (ICNs), where service disruption can cause significant economic losses and operational risks. Existing signature-based methods are ineffective against novel attacks, and traditional machine learning models struggle to capture the complex temporal dependencies and dynamic traffic patterns inherent in ICN environments. To address these challenges, this study proposes a deep feature-driven hybrid framework that integrates Transformer, BiLSTM, and KNN to achieve accurate and robust DDoS detection. The Transformer component extracts global temporal dependencies from network traffic flows, while BiLSTM captures fine-grained sequential dynamics. The learned… More >

Muntaham Inaam Hashmi¹, Muhammad Ayaz Khan², Khwaja Mansoor ul Hassan¹, Suliman A. Alsuhibany^3,*, Ainur Abduvalova⁴, Asfandyar Khan⁵

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.86, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.071452 - 12 January 2026

Abstract Cyber-criminals target smart connected devices for spyware distribution and security breaches, but existing Internet of Things (IoT) security standards are insufficient. Major IoT industry players prioritize market share over security, leading to insecure smart products. Traditional host-based protection solutions are less effective due to limited resources. Overcoming these challenges and enhancing the security of IoT Devices requires a security design at the network level that uses lightweight cryptographic parameters. In order to handle control, administration, and security concerns in traditional networking, the Gateway Node offers a contemporary networking architecture. By managing all network-level computations and… More >

Gowrishankar Jayaraman¹, Ashok Kumar Munnangi², Ramesh Sekaran³, Arunkumar Gopu³, Manikandan Ramachandran^4,*

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.86, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.071124 - 12 January 2026

Abstract Industrial Cyber-Physical Systems (ICPSs) play a vital role in modern industries by providing an intellectual foundation for automated operations. With the increasing integration of information-driven processes, ensuring the security of Industrial Control Production Systems (ICPSs) has become a critical challenge. These systems are highly vulnerable to attacks such as denial-of-service (DoS), eclipse, and Sybil attacks, which can significantly disrupt industrial operations. This work proposes an effective protection strategy using an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled Smart Contract (SC) framework combined with the Heterogeneous Barzilai–Borwein Support Vector (HBBSV) method for industrial-based CPS environments. The approach reduces run time… More >

Muhammad Asim^1,*, Abdelhamied A. Ateya¹, Mudasir Ahmad Wani^1,2, Gauhar Ali¹, Mohammed ElAffendi¹, Ahmed A. Abd El-Latif¹, Reshma Siyal³

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.86, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.070684 - 12 January 2026

Abstract The growing developments in 5G and 6G wireless communications have revolutionized communications technologies, providing faster speeds with reduced latency and improved connectivity to users. However, it raises significant security challenges, including impersonation threats, data manipulation, distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, and privacy breaches. Traditional security measures are inadequate due to the decentralized and dynamic nature of next-generation networks. This survey provides a comprehensive review of how Federated Learning (FL), Blockchain, and Digital Twin (DT) technologies can collectively enhance the security of 5G and 6G systems. Blockchain offers decentralized, immutable, and transparent mechanisms for securing More >

Ahsan Habib Siam¹, Md. Ehsanul Haque¹, Fahmid Al Farid², Anindita Sutradhar³, Jia Uddin^4,*, Sarina Mansor^2,*

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.86, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.069718 - 12 January 2026

Abstract As healthcare systems increasingly embrace digitalization, effective management of electronic health records (EHRs) has emerged as a critical priority, particularly in inpatient settings where data sensitivity and real-time access are paramount. Traditional EHR systems face significant challenges, including unauthorized access, data breaches, and inefficiencies in tracking follow-up appointments, which heighten the risk of misdiagnosis and medication errors. To address these issues, this research proposes a hybrid blockchain-based solution for securely managing EHRs, specifically designed as a framework for tracking inpatient follow-ups. By integrating QR code-enabled data access with a blockchain architecture, this innovative approach enhances… More >

Jay Barach^*

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.86, No.2, pp. 1-23, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.071705 - 09 December 2025

Abstract Human Resource (HR) operations increasingly rely on cloud-based platforms that provide hiring, payroll, employee management, and compliance services. These systems, typically built on multi-tenant microservice architectures, offer scalability and efficiency but also expand the attack surface for adversaries. Ransomware has emerged as a leading threat in this domain, capable of halting workflows and exposing sensitive employee records. Traditional defenses such as static hardening and signature-based detection often fail to address the dynamic requirements of HR Software as a Service (SaaS), where continuous availability and privacy compliance are critical. This paper presents a Moving Target Defense… More >

Yunhao Yu¹, Boda Zhang¹, Meiling Dizha¹, Ruibin Wen¹, Fuhua Luo¹, Xiang Guo¹, Zhenyong Zhang^2,*

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.86, No.2, pp. 1-19, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.070577 - 09 December 2025

Abstract Load frequency control (LFC) is a critical function to balance the power consumption and generation. The grid frequency is a crucial indicator for maintaining balance. However, the widely used information and communication infrastructure for LFC increases the risk of being attacked by malicious actors. The dynamic load altering attack (DLAA) is a typical attack that can destabilize the power system, causing the grid frequency to deviate from its nominal value. Therefore, in this paper, we mathematically analyze the impact of DLAA on the stability of the grid frequency and propose the network parameter regulation (NPR)… More >

Kirubavathi Ganapathiyappan^1,*, Kiruba Marimuthu Eswaramoorthy¹, Abi Thangamuthu Shanthamani¹, Aksaya Venugopal¹, Asita Pon Bhavya Iyyappan¹, Thilaga Manickam¹, Ateeq Ur Rehman^2,*, Habib Hamam^3,4,5,6

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.86, No.2, pp. 1-31, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.070067 - 09 December 2025

Abstract The growing use of Portable Document Format (PDF) files across various sectors such as education, government, and business has inadvertently turned them into a major target for cyberattacks. Cybercriminals take advantage of the inherent flexibility and layered structure of PDFs to inject malicious content, often employing advanced obfuscation techniques to evade detection by traditional signature-based security systems. These conventional methods are no longer adequate, especially against sophisticated threats like zero-day exploits and polymorphic malware. In response to these challenges, this study introduces a machine learning-based detection framework specifically designed to combat such threats. Central to… More >