4.1 Explain the importance of basic network security concepts
Deception Technologies
📘CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)
1. What is a Honeypot?
A honeypot is a security tool that looks like a real system, service, or data to attackers, but it is actually a trap. Its main purpose is to detect, study, or distract attackers from real network resources.
Think of it as a fake server or network service set up on purpose to attract attackers.
- It is not meant for normal business use.
- It is designed to be attacked, so it can collect information about hacking methods.
2. Purpose of a Honeypot
Honeypots are used for security monitoring and research, including:
- Detecting attacks:
Honeypots can alert security teams when an attacker tries to interact with them.- Example: If a honeypot web server is accessed unexpectedly, it signals a potential intrusion attempt.
- Analyzing attacker behavior:
Security teams can study what tools, commands, or techniques attackers use.- Example: Logging all commands typed into a fake SSH server to see which exploits are attempted.
- Diverting attackers from real systems:
Honeypots can act as decoys to keep attackers busy, protecting real servers and data.- Example: An attacker might spend time on the honeypot instead of the company’s real database server.
3. Types of Honeypots
Honeypots can be classified based on complexity and interaction level:
- Low-Interaction Honeypot:
- Simulates only some services.
- Easy to set up, low risk.
- Used mainly for detection.
- Example: A fake FTP server that logs login attempts.
- High-Interaction Honeypot:
- Simulates a full system that attackers can interact with.
- More realistic and can provide more detailed attacker behavior.
- Higher risk if not properly isolated.
- Example: A full Linux server with fake data, monitored for all activity.
4. Benefits of Honeypots
- Early attack detection: Alerts on suspicious activity before real systems are compromised.
- Attack analysis: Helps security teams understand methods and tools used by attackers.
- Improved security strategies: Provides information to strengthen firewall rules, intrusion detection systems, and security policies.
- Resource protection: Diverts attackers from critical systems.
5. Risks and Considerations
- If poorly secured, a honeypot can be used as a staging ground by attackers to attack other systems.
- Should be isolated from the real network to prevent real damage.
- Should not contain sensitive or real company data, because it is meant to be attacked.
6. Examples in IT Environments
- Fake Web Server: A web server set up with fake web pages to monitor SQL injection attacks.
- Fake Database Server: Appears to store sensitive data, but is monitored for unauthorized queries.
- Fake Email Server: Monitors phishing attempts or brute-force login attempts.
- SSH Honeypot: A fake Linux login prompt that logs attacker usernames and passwords.
7. How Honeypots Fit into Network Security
Honeypots are part of deception technologies, which also include:
- Honeynets: Networks of multiple honeypots to simulate a full environment.
- Decoy services: Fake services or files to mislead attackers.
In the CompTIA Network+ exam, you should remember the key purpose:
A honeypot is a decoy system designed to detect, analyze, or distract attackers without putting real network resources at risk.
✅ Exam Tip:
You may be asked to identify what a honeypot does, its types, or why it is used. Focus on:
- Detection
- Analysis
- Decoy/diversion
