Enhancing MANET Security: A Collaborative Dynamic Multi-Agent Approach for Wormhole Attack Detection and Mitigation (CDMA-Worm)

The proposed research focus on the Collaborative Dynamic Multi-Agent Wormhole Detection and Anomaly Mitigation Framework for Secure Networks (CDMA-Worm). It is a comprehensive solution designed to protect large dynamic networks from wormhole attacks and other malicious activities. The architecture is built around three key algorithms namely- Dynamic Multi-Agent Generation and Broadcasting (DMGB), Anomaly Detection and Isolation (ADI), and Collaborative Wormhole Detection and Network-Wide Threat Mitigation(CWD-NWTM). The first algorithm, Dynamic Multi-Agent Generation and Broadcasting, focuses on the creation of agents that are tested for integrity and distributed across the network. These agents work collaboratively to monitor network activity in real-time, detecting any anomalies. The second algorithm, Anomaly Detection and Isolation, identifies irregularities by analyzing agent behavior, calculating affinity scores, and isolating malicious nodes to prevent potential damage. The third algorithm, Collaborative Wormhole Detection and Network-Wide Threat Mitigation, targets wormhole attacks by tracking Round-Trip Time (RTT) and validating neighbor sets. If wormhole nodes are detected, they are isolated and blocked, with joint threat levels computed to coordinate mitigation efforts across the network.The CDMA-Worm framework ensures high detection accuracy, efficient node isolation, and minimal impact on network latency. Its scalability makes it suitable for the networks with different number of nodes that, offering robust protection against wormhole and other attacks. By leveraging multi-agent collaboration and dynamic anomaly detection, the architecture adapts to evolving network conditions, providing continuous and effective security.