Hybrid AI-Based Framework for Generating Realistic Attack-Related Network Flow Data for Cybersecurity Digital Twins

In the context of cybersecurity digital twin environments, the ability to simulate realistic network traffic is critical for validating and training intrusion detection systems. However, generating synthetic data that accurately reflects the complex, time-dependent nature of network flows remains a significant challenge. This paper presents an AI-based data generation approach designed to generate multivariate temporal network flow data that accurately reflects adversarial scenarios. The proposed method integrates a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) architecture trained to capture the temporal dynamics of both normal and attack traffic, ensuring the synthetic data preserves realistic, sequence-aware behavioral patterns. To further enhance data fidelity, a combination of deep learning-based generative models and statistical techniques is employed to synthesize both numerical and categorical features while maintaining the correct proportions and temporal relationships between attack and normal traffic. A key contribution of the framework is its ability to generate high-fidelity synthetic data that supports the simulation of realistic, production-like cybersecurity scenarios. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach in generating data that supports robust machine learning-based detection systems, making it a valuable tool for cybersecurity validation and training in digital twin environments.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Applied Sciences
Published
2025-10-29
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/app152111574
Primary Topic
Network Security and Intrusion Detection
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Hybrid AI-Based Framework for Generating Realistic Attack-Related Network Flow Data for Cybersecurity Digital Twins

Javier Arcas-Ruiz-Ruano, Eider Iturbe, Nerea Toledo, Gabriel Gaminde et al.
Applied Sciences
Network Security and Intrusion Detection
article

Hybrid AI-Based Framework for Generating Realistic Attack-Related Network Flow Data for Cybersecurity Digital Twins

Javier Arcas-Ruiz-Ruano, Eider Iturbe, Nerea Toledo, Gabriel Gaminde, Erkuden Rios
article en

Abstract

In the context of cybersecurity digital twin environments, the ability to simulate realistic network traffic is critical for validating and training intrusion detection systems. However, generating synthetic data that accurately reflects the complex, time-dependent nature of network flows remains a significant challenge. This paper presents an AI-based data generation approach designed to generate multivariate temporal network flow data that accurately reflects adversarial scenarios. The proposed method integrates a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) architecture trained to capture the temporal dynamics of both normal and attack traffic, ensuring the synthetic data preserves realistic, sequence-aware behavioral patterns. To further enhance data fidelity, a combination of deep learning-based generative models and statistical techniques is employed to synthesize both numerical and categorical features while maintaining the correct proportions and temporal relationships between attack and normal traffic. A key contribution of the framework is its ability to generate high-fidelity synthetic data that supports the simulation of realistic, production-like cybersecurity scenarios. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach in generating data that supports robust machine learning-based detection systems, making it a valuable tool for cybersecurity validation and training in digital twin environments.

Applied SciencesVol. 15(21)
University of the Basque Country (ES), Basque Center for Applied Mathematics (ES), Euskadiko Parke Teknologikoa (ES)
European Commission, HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme
Openalex Percentile: Top 63%
Network Security and Intrusion Detection
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.