What is the function of a honeypot in cybersecurity?

The function of a honeypot in cybersecurity is to lure and trap potential intruders. Honeypots are intentionally designed decoy systems that appear to be legitimate targets for attackers. By creating an environment that mimics valuable assets or sensitive data, honeypots attract malicious actors, allowing security professionals to study their tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). This can help organizations understand how intrusions occur, identify vulnerabilities in their actual systems, and develop more effective defense strategies.

Through the use of a honeypot, organizations can gather valuable intelligence about threats and improve their security posture. Additionally, by engaging with intruders in a controlled environment, security teams can analyze attack patterns and enhance their capability to detect and respond to real attacks, thus ultimately strengthening the overall security of their networks.