Hybrid Cognitive‐Explainable AI Architecture for Proactive Cyber Defense in Multi‐Layer Networks

This chapter presents a hybrid cognitive–explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) architecture, a system architecture aimed at the use of proactive cyber defense in multilayer networks. The system architecture for the hybrid cognitive–XAI Framework features various interconnected layers that are structured to offer a proactive cyber defense in multi-layer network environments. The architecture is formed by a data collection layer, which obtains traffic logs, behavioral patterns, alerts and telemetry from diverse network layers such as application, transport, network, cloud and edge systems on a continuous basis. The multi-layer structure therefore enables comprehensive monitoring at the network, application, and user levels, allowing the detection of anomalies and potential attacks at their earliest stages. Furthermore, the human–machine partnership is improved through interpretable AI, which provides clarity by giving informed interventions and allowing continuous learning in the future for new threats.