journal article·2025-05-13Open access

DRLAttack: A Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Framework for Data Poisoning Attack on Collaborative Filtering Algorithms

Jiaxin Fan, Mohan Li, Yanbin Sun, Peng Chen

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 10

Abstract

Collaborative filtering, as a widely used recommendation method, is widely applied but susceptible to data poisoning attacks, where malicious actors inject synthetic user interaction data to manipulate recommendation results and secure illicit benefits. Traditional poisoning attack methods require in-depth understanding of the recommendation system. However, they fail to address its dynamic nature and algorithmic complexity, thereby hindering effective breaches of the system’s defensive mechanisms. In this paper, we propose DRLAttack, a deep reinforcement learning-based framework for data poisoning attacks. DRLAttack can launch both white-box and black-box data poisoning attacks. In the white-box setting, DRLAttack dynamically tailors attack strategies to recommendation context changes, generating more potent and stealthy fake user interactions for the precise targeting of data poisoning. Furthermore, we extend DRLAttack to black-box settings. By introducing spy users to simulate the behavior of active and inactive users into the training dataset, we indirectly obtain the promotion status of target items and adjust the attack strategy in response. Experimental results on real-world recommendation system datasets demonstrate that DRLAttack can effectively manipulate recommendation results.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Privacy-Preserving Technologies in Data · Internet Traffic Analysis and Secure E-voting · Digital Mental Health Interventions

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Guangdong Key Laboratory of Industrial Control System Security, Huangpu Research School of Guangzhou University, Cyberspace Institute of Advanced Technology, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation · the Key Technologies R&D Program of Guangdong Province · Strategic Research and Consulting Project of the Chinese Academy of Engineering · The Project of Guangdong Key Laboratory of Industrial Control System Security

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