<scp>HoneyFed</scp> Adaptive Deception With Federated Learning Strategy for Next‐Generation Robust <scp>MANET</scp> Security

ABSTRACT Mobile Ad hoc networks (MANETs) are key for applications in which flexibility and organization are paramount, but the security of such networks entails threats that can exploit the vulnerability of their open architecture, resulting in various attacks. To address such issues, a novel architectural framework is always required. One such framework is introduced, namely, the HoneyFed Secure Architecture (HFSA), which provides the combination of an advanced honey encryption system with federated learning‐based decentralized security to improve the security of MANET. Honey encryption, on the other hand, employs adaptive deception techniques to generate plausible decoy data on decryption failure, employs dynamic key management for tamper resistance, and provides perfect authentication through multi‐factor methods and zero‐knowledge proofs. We found that federated learning offers decentralized model training, where nodes jointly train local models while exchanging progress updates without exposing raw data, enabling 81.4% more detections of emerging threats while preserving data privacy. Using the proposed HFSA approach achieves a 78% protection improvement against attacks and a 71% reduction in unauthorized access. HFSA offers a robust and scalable framework of security that uses continuous learning and adaptation to the vulnerabilities of the MANETs to enhance network resilience.