A survey on social network’s anomalous behavior detection

Abstract The onset of Web 3.0 has catalyzed the rapid advancement of social networking, transforming platforms into essential elements deeply embedded within the fabric of daily life. Researchers have proposed several methods for detecting anomalous behaviors in various scenarios. This article provides a comprehensive review of current research and the latest developments in anomalous behavior detection within social networks. We present a hierarchical three-layer categorization scheme based on the distinct characteristics of base-level detection technologies and various datasets. First, anomaly detection based on user behavioral characteristics can intuitively reflect deviations in individual behavior. However, it may overlook the overall network structure’s impact. Second, detecting anomalies within a network’s topological structure highlights structural significance, but may overlook the subtle nuances of individual behavior. Finally, the coordinated fusion method, which blends individual behavioral characteristics and the network’s topological structure, addresses the multifaceted nature of anomalies, yielding a more thorough and accurate anomaly detection strategy. This paper provides an overview and assesses the performance of three anomaly detection methods. Furthermore, we explore the challenges associated with social network anomaly detection and the potential pathways for further research.