## 3 The Proposed Approach
### Sequential Integration  
Our proposed hybrid detection method unfolds sequentially, starting with anomaly detection to screen for irregularities, followed by the in-depth analysis of flagged nodes using data mining techniques, and culminating in the cryptographic verification of suspected attackers. This comprehensive approach ensures the early detection, accurate identification, and effective mitigation of black hole and gray hole attacks in MANETs.  
1. **Simulation of MANET environment**: initial setup and configuration of the MANET environment and implementation of the DSR protocol.
2. **Monitoring network traffic**: continuous traffic monitoring to detect deviations from normal behavior.
3. **Implementing hybrid detection algorithms**: applying anomaly detection, clustering, and classification techniques.
4. **Attack detection and type identification**: identifying anomalies and classifying the type of attack (black hole or gray hole).
5. **Mitigation strategy implementation**: deploying appropriate countermeasures to mitigate identified attacks.  
Post-mitigation network analysis: assessing network performance and security post-mitigation.
* **Success evaluation**: determining the effectiveness of the mitigation strategy. If unsuccessful, re-evaluation and adjustment of detection mechanisms.  
This innovative detection method promises to significantly enhance the security landscape of MANETs by offering a robust solution capable of adapting to the dynamic nature of these networks. By integrating diverse detection techniques, our approach aims to establish a more resilient defense against sophisticated threats, ensuring the reliability and integrity of data transmission within these critical communication infrastructures.  
Figure 1 illustrates a flowchart of the proposed hybrid detection method for identifying and mitigating black hole and gray hole attacks in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). The flowchart outlines the sequential steps involved in the implementation and execution of this approach, starting from the initialization of the MANET environment, where the network topology is established with nodes randomly distributed within a defined area. Following this, the dynamic source routing (DSR) protocol is implemented to manage the routing of packets between nodes, which is central to the network's operation and the focus of the proposed security enhancements. Next, the continuous monitoring of network traffic is conducted to detect any irregularities that may indicate malicious activities. If an anomaly is detected, the hybrid detection algorithm, which integrates anomaly detection, data mining techniques, and cryptographic verification, is triggered to accurately identify and classify potential threats. Upon the detection of an attack, the system identifies the type of attack, whether it is a black hole or gray hole attack, and then it deploys appropriate mitigation strategies to neutralize the threat. After the mitigation strategy is applied, a post-mitigation analysis is performed to assess the effectiveness of the response, including the evaluation of key network performance metrics such as the packet delivery ratio and latency. Finally, the system determines whether the mitigation efforts were successful. If the attack has been successfully mitigated, the process concludes; if not, the system may loop back to re-evaluate the detection and mitigation processes, ensuring continuous protection.  
Figure 1: An overview of the process underlying the proposed approach.