Journal of Computing Theories and Applications
Vol. 3 No. 3 (2026): JCTA 3(3) 2026

Android Malware Detection Using Machine Learning with SMOTE-Tomek Data Balancing

Masari, Maryam Sufiyanu (Unknown)
Danladi, Maiauduga Abdullahi (Unknown)
Onyinye, Ilori Loretta (Unknown)
Tohomdet, Loreta Katok (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
18 Jan 2026

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of four traditional machine learning algorithms Decision Tree, Random Forest, K-Nearest Neighbors, and Support Vector Machine for Android malware detection using the preprocessed TUANDROMD dataset comprising 4,465 instances and 241 features representing both static and dynamic application characteristics. Motivated by the limitations of conventional signature-based and hybrid detection methods, especially in managing imbalanced datasets and detecting emerging malware variants, the study employed SMOTE to ensure balanced training data and fair model evaluation. The dataset was divided into 80% training and 20% testing subsets, and models were assessed using key performance metrics including accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and ROC AUC. The findings revealed that the proposed Random Forest model outperformed the other classifiers, achieving an accuracy of 0.993, precision of 0.992, recall of 1.000, F1-score of 0.996, and a near-perfect ROC AUC of 0.9998 surpassing state-of-the-art approaches. These results affirm the superior predictive capability, consistency, and robustness of the Random Forest algorithm in Android malware detection. The study concludes that base models, when integrated with class-balancing techniques, provide reliable and efficient malware detection across imbalanced datasets. For future research, the study recommends exploring advanced hybrid or ensemble frameworks that integrate Random Forest with deep learning architectures or other meta-heuristic optimization techniques to further enhance detection accuracy, adaptability, and resilience against rapidly evolving Android malware threats.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jcta

Publisher

Subject

Computer Science & IT Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management

Description

Journal of Computing Theories and Applications (JCTA) is a refereed, international journal that covers all aspects of foundations, theories and the practical applications of computer science. FREE OF CHARGE for submission and publication. All accepted articles will be published online and accessed ...