The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) has introduced new vulnerabilities that traditional security mechanisms often fail to address effectively. Signature-based intrusion detection systems cannot adapt to zero-day attacks, while rule-based solutions lack scalability for the diverse and high-volume traffic in IoT environments. To strengthen the security framework for IoT, this paper proposes a deep learning-based anomaly detection approach that integrates Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Units (BiGRUs). The model is further optimized using the Moth–Flame Optimization (MFO) algorithm for automated hyperparameter tuning. To mitigate class imbalance in benchmark datasets, we employ Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) for synthetic sample generation alongside Z-score normalization. The proposed CNN–BiGRU + MFO framework is evaluated on two widely used datasets, UNSW-NB15 and UCI SECOM. Experimental results demonstrate superior performance compared to several baseline deep learning models, achieving improvements across accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and ROC–AUC. These findings highlight the potential of combining hybrid deep learning architectures with evolutionary optimization for effective and generalizable intrusion detection in IoT systems.

This article examines the transformative potential of quantum computing in addressing the growing challenge of cyber threats. With traditional encryption methods becoming increasingly ineffective against sophisticated cyber attacks, quantum computing emerges as a promising solution, offering unparalleled computational capabilities for enhancing cyber security. This technology is poised to revolutionize how we protect sensitive data by developing quantum-resistant encryption algorithms and quantum-based machine learning modules to safeguard critical infrastructures. By exploring the intersection between quantum computing and cyber security, this article highlights the opportunities, challenges, and prospects of leveraging quantum advancements to strengthen our defenses against the evolving landscape of cyber threats

Using expert systems and relevant machine learning methods, automating network intrusion detection has become commonplace. However, the interconnectedness of many industrial control systems and the Internet of Things (IoT) has made cyber attacks on critical infrastructure communication networks a significant concern. These Critical Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) experience massive network traffic, posing a challenge for conventional machine-learning techniques to identify anomalies. This paper introduces a novel approach that overcomes these limitations, leveraging the power of deep learning to detect and classify anomalies with remarkable accuracy. By utilizing deep models like Deep Neural Network (DNN) and Deep Short-Term Memory (LSTM) in a two-stage procedure, we significantly enhance the capabilities of our proposed methodology. We also employ a Deep Sparse Autoencoder (DSAE) to resolve the feature engineering problem and prepare data for processing. The effectiveness of this strategy is evaluated using datasets collected from the IoT ecosystem, specifically IoT-23 and LITNET-2020. The evaluation results for the proposed method are presented and discussed, comparing its statistical significance with the most cutting-edge techniques for detecting network anomalies.

Advancements in Industry 4.0 technologies, which combine big data analytics, robotics, and intelligent decision systems to enable new ways to increase automation in the industrial sector, have undergone significant transformations. In this research, a Hybrid Attention-Gated Recurrent Unit (At-GRU) model, combined with Sand Cat Optimization (SCO), is proposed to enhance fault identification and predictive maintenance capabilities. The model utilized multivariate sensor data from cyber-physical and IoT-enabled robotic platforms to learn operational patterns and predict failures with enhanced reliability. The At-GRU provides deeper temporal feature extraction, thereby improving classification performance. The robustness of the proposed model is validated through analysis of a benchmark dataset for industrial robots, and the results demonstrate that the proposed model exhibits impressive predictive capacity, surpassing other prediction methods and predictive maintenance approaches. Additionally, the performance evaluation indicates a lower computational cost due to the lightweight gating architecture of GRU, combined with attention. The robotic motion is further optimized by the SCO algorithm, which reduces energy usage, execution delay, and trajectory deviations while ensuring smooth operation. Overall, the proposed work offers an intelligent and scalable solution for next-generation industrial automation systems. Furthermore, the proposed model demonstrates the real-world applicability and significant benefits of incorporating hybrid artificial intelligence models into real-time robot control applications for smart manufacturing environments.

This study investigates the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) integration on preventing employee burnout through a human-centered, multimodal approach. Given the increasing prevalence of AI in workplace settings, this research seeks to understand how various dimensions of AI integration—such as the intensity of integration, employee training, personalization of AI tools, and the frequency of AI feedback—affect employee burnout. A quantitative approach was employed, involving a survey of 320 participants from high-stress sectors such as healthcare and IT. The findings reveal that the benefits of AI in reducing burnout are substantial yet highly dependent on the implementation strategy. Effective AI integration that includes comprehensive training, high personalization, and regular, constructive feedback correlates with lower levels of burnout. These results suggest that the mere introduction of AI technologies is insufficient for reducing burnout; instead, a holistic strategy that includes thorough employee training, tailored personalization, and continuous feedback is crucial for leveraging AI’s potential to alleviate workplace stress. This study provides valuable insights for organizational leaders and policymakers aiming to develop informed AI deployment strategies that prioritize employee well-being.

This study delves into the intricate dynamics of cybersecurity adoption within small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with a specific focus on the transformative potential of AI-driven solutions from a machine learning perspective. Leveraging a rich and diverse dataset of real-world cybersecurity incidents tailored to the SME context, the research meticulously investigates the efficacy of three prominent machine learning models: logistic regression, random forest, and gradient boost classifiers. Through a comprehensive evaluation using a suite of performance metrics, including accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 scores, the study scrutinizes the predictive capabilities of these models in forecasting and categorizing cyber threats encountered by SMEs. The findings unveil nuanced insights into the multifaceted challenges and opportunities inherent in the cybersecurity landscape of SMEs, shedding light on the complex interplay between AI-driven solutions and evolving cyber threats. While the analysis reveals commendable performance across the models, it also uncovers inherent limitations in accurately discerning and categorizing specific types of attacks. These findings underscore the critical need for ongoing refinement and optimization of AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, necessitating a continuous, iterative process informed by real-world data and adaptive learning mechanisms. By harnessing the strengths of machine learning and embracing a proactive stance towards cybersecurity, SMEs can fortify their defense mechanisms and safeguard their digital assets in the increasingly volatile and interconnected digital ecosystem.