What is a honeypot in the field of cybersecurity?

A honeypot is a decoy system set up to attract cyber attackers, allowing cybersecurity professionals to observe and analyze their tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). It mimics a legitimate system or network but is isolated and monitored to capture malicious activities without posing a threat to actual assets.

By engaging attackers, honeypots can provide valuable insights into the methods used in cyber attacks, helping organizations enhance their defenses against real threats. This proactive approach supports the broader strategy of threat intelligence and allows for better understanding and mitigation of vulnerabilities within the organization's systems.

While the role of a honeypot is distinct, other options serve different purposes in cybersecurity. For example, a network security device that filters traffic is focused on preventing unauthorized access, whereas software that removes malware is aimed at cleaning infected systems. A vulnerability testing tool assesses the security posture of systems rather than actively engaging with attackers. These roles are crucial for a comprehensive security strategy, but they do not encompass the unique purpose of a honeypot.