AI project to tackle mobile cyber threats

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in new research in tackling mobile cyber threats and protecting phone users.

AgenticDeviceShield, described as a "new form of cyber defence that lives directly on mobile devices", is being led by experts at the University of Wolverhampton (UoW) and University of Lancashire.

The project aims to protect phone users from scams, spyware and digital fraud, without sending any personal data to the cloud.

The system is powered by what's called agentic AI, which can act independently, make decisions and respond to cyber threats in real time, a UoW spokesperson said.

Other features of the project include on‑device monitoring and alerts and it also works when the device is offline or in areas with poor phone signal.

"By embedding privacy‑preserving, intelligent security directly into smartphones and tablets, AgenticDeviceShield aims to reduce digital harm and support safer access to essential online services," a university spokesperson said.

Modern cyber attacks include the likes of phishing scams, deepfakes and malicious apps.

Prof Md Arafatur Rahman, who is leading the project at UoW, added: "AgenticDeviceShield represents a shift towards security systems that can reason, explain and act locally – creating protection that is both intelligent and humane."

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