Ogwara, NoahPetrova, KrassimiraYang, mee loonMacDonell, Stephen2025-02-052025-02-052025-01-25Sensors, ISSN: 1424-8220 (Print); 1424-8220 (Online), MDPI AG, 25(3). doi: 10.3390/s250306701424-82201424-8220http://hdl.handle.net/10292/18590Mobile cloud computing (MCC) is a technological paradigm for providing services to mobile device (MD) users. A compromised MD may cause harm to both its user and to other MCC customers. This study explores the use of machine learning (ML) models and stochastic methods for the protection of Android MDs connected to the mobile cloud. To test the validity and feasibility of the proposed models and methods, the study adopted a proof-of-concept approach and developed a prototype system named MINDPRESS. The static component of MINDPRES assesses the risk of the apps installed on the MD. It uses a device-based ML model for static feature analysis and a cloud-based stochastic risk evaluator. The device-based hybrid component of MINDPRES monitors app behavior in real time. It deploys two ML models and functions as an intrusion detection and prevention system (IDPS). The performance evaluation results of the prototype showed that the accuracy achieved by the methods for static and hybrid risk evaluation compared well with results reported in recent work. Power consumption data indicated that MINDPRES did not create an overload. This study contributes a feasible and scalable framework for building distributed systems for the protection of the data and devices of MCC customers.© 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/4606 Distributed Computing and Systems Software46 Information and Computing Sciences4604 Cybersecurity and PrivacyNetworking and Information Technology R&D (NITRD)Bioengineering0301 Analytical Chemistry0502 Environmental Science and Management0602 Ecology0805 Distributed Computing0906 Electrical and Electronic EngineeringAnalytical Chemistry3103 Ecology4008 Electrical engineering4009 Electronics, sensors and digital hardware4104 Environmental management4606 Distributed computing and systems softwareJournal ArticleOpenAccess10.3390/s25030670