In cybersecurity, what is a honeypot?

A honeypot is a decoy system specifically designed to attract attackers, diverting them away from legitimate systems and allowing security professionals to study their behavior. This can include understanding the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by cybercriminals. By creating a controlled environment where interactions can be monitored, honeypots serve valuable purposes such as threat intelligence gathering, enhancing security postures by identifying vulnerabilities, and improving incident response capabilities.

The function of a honeypot is critical in cybersecurity as it not only helps in understanding the threat landscape but also aids in the development of better defensive measures. Since it's designed to appear vulnerable or appealing to attackers, it can provide insights into how attacks are executed and what methods are being employed in real-world scenarios. This knowledge can be instrumental in fortifying actual defenses and protecting vital infrastructure.