Enhancing Cybersecurity Measures against URL Phishing in E-Banking: A Machine Learning Approach
Abstract:
This paper explores the use of machine learning to improve cybersecurity measures against phishing attacks targeting e-banking platforms. By analysing a comprehensive dataset of phishing and legitimate URLs, machine learning models were developed and evaluated for their effectiveness in detecting phishing threats. This study highlights the potential of using the XGBoost machine learning algorithm in the development of applications with a focus on the identification of malicious URLs. The results of the Phishing URL Detection Model (PUDM) developed in this paper using XGBoost demonstrates a significant enhancement in detection accuracy and response times. An application that includes this model for the identification of malicious URLs will support users using e-banking applications as it will reduce the chances of user's connecting to a malicious URL that will result in the stealing of their sensitive financial information. Using this algorithm in applications will provide proactive defences in the ongoing battle against cyber threats.
AUTHORS
Computer Science, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology,
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria, South Africa
Malvern Manala is a Post Graduate student at Tshwane University of Technology, specializing in computer science. He holds a Master of Computing (Computer Sciences) and has a strong passion for research in areas such as cybersecurity, machine learning, generative AI, deep learning, and data analytics. Manala’s current research focuses on cybersecurity, machine learning, and phishing detection, with the aim of contributing to the advancement of technology and security in the digital age.
Tshwane University of Technology Pretoria,
South Africa
Professor Joey Jansen van Vuuren (PhD) is a NRF-rated researcher in the faculty of ICT at Tshwane University of Technology. She is also the Vice Chair of the international IFIP (Federation for Information Processing) Working Group 9.10. She is also a coordinator of SA for the BRICS Integrated Thematic Group Computer Science and Information Security (ITG-CSIS). Her research focuses on cybersecurity, education, government, policy, and culture. She was the coordinator of the South African CybersecurityCentre of Innovation for the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), which initiated several cybersecurity government initiatives in South Africa. The centre also focused on the promotion of research collaboration, cybersecurity education, and the exchange of cyber threats. She was also involved in the development of cybercrime strategies for the South African Police Services. Previously as the Research Group Leader for Cyber Defence at CSIR, she gave the strategic research direction for the research conducted for the South African National Defence Force and Government sectors on cyber defence. She has spent over 25 years in academia and research and has published various journal papers, conference papers, and book chapters on cybersecurity governance. She has presented on numerous forums, such as national conferences and also international conferences, some of which she has been invited to as the keynote speaker. She is also very passionate about the development of people outside the university and is involved in the offering of training in the TVET and other education sectors.
Published In
Journal of Information Warfare
The definitive publication for the best and latest research and analysis on information warfare, information operations, and cyber crime. Available in traditional hard copy or online.
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