MONDEO-Tactics5G: Multistage botnet detection and tactics for 5G/6G networks

Mobile malware is a malicious code specifically designed to target mobile devices to perform multiple types of fraud. The number of attacks reported each day is increasing constantly and is causing an impact not only at the end -user level but also at the network operator level. Malware like FluBot contributes to identity theft and data loss but also enables remote Command & Control (C2) operations, which can instrument infected devices to conduct Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. Current mobile device -installed solutions are not effective, as the end user can ignore security warnings or install malicious software. This article designs and evaluates MONDEO-Tactics5G - a multistage botnet detection mechanism that does not require software installation on end -user devices, together with tactics for 5G network operators to manage infected devices. We conducted an evaluation that demonstrates high accuracy in detecting FluBot malware, and in the different adaptation strategies to reduce the risk of DDoS while minimising the impact on the clients' satisfaction by avoiding disrupting established sessions.