Cybercriminals are getting craftier when it comes to planning and executing malicious attacks. Companies should keep up with the latest trends to avoid being victims of costly and debilitating system infiltrations. Deception technology is making waves in the cybersecurity industry with modern security features that make detection and repelling attacks more effective.
What Is Deception Technology?
Deception technology is a cybersecurity strategy that uses decoys to mislead and entrap attackers. Security teams set up legitimate-looking resources to attract criminals and make them believe they’ve infiltrated the system. In reality, they’re being led away from all the essential assets.
Criminals are typically after valuable information like customer data and credentials. Deception technology can populate systems with fake account details to bait attackers into accessing the wrong servers or assets to delay and ultimately thwart their attacks. Once an attacker opens the phony list, it will trigger an alarm that notifies the security team.
Modern deception technology is a step up from earlier honeypot strategies. Honeypots were an effective method to attract attackers, but they are often static techniques. They can also swiftly become outdated, making them easier for attackers to evade. Honeypots can result in multiple false positives that distract security personnel from detecting valid system attacks elsewhere.
Types of Deception Technology
According to research, the deception technology market will be worth $4.21 billion in 2030 after being valued at $1.52 billion in 2021. It’s gaining traction as companies recognize its potential in securing their valuable assets. Cybersecurity teams can use deception technologies to repel attackers and prevent future infiltrations. Here are some of them.
Deception DNS
Creating fictitious domain name systems is a viable deception technology to lure attackers away from legitimate systems, servers and assets. Cybersecurity teams can deceive bad actors into connecting to decoy servers to study their intentions, methods and strategies.
These decoy servers are set up to mimic every aspect of a secure site, and they can even trick legitimate users. Deception experts can manipulate numerical IP addresses and disguise them as the real deal. The decoy server monitors criminals and their actions, and security teams can then analyze the data and use it to strengthen existing security measures.
Canary Tokens
Canary tokens are digital tripwires that trigger an alarm when unauthorized people try to access secure assets or systems. This deception technology is excellent at detecting potential attacks or security breaches as it is an early warning device in cybersecurity strategies.
Security teams can plant canary tokens in multiple areas to increase the likelihood of detecting would-be attackers. Cybersecurity personnel can disguise tokens as high-value resources to entice bad actors and initiate an interaction.
Deceptive Data
One of the goals of deception technology is to dissuade hackers from progressing in their malicious attacks. Security teams can populate databases with fake information like customer account details, making it incredibly challenging for criminals to identify real accounts.
Deception technology can delay cyberattacks by making criminals go through hoop after hoop as they attempt to infiltrate the system. This delaying tactic gives cybersecurity teams enough time to implement countermeasures and report the attackers to authorities.
Benefits of Using Deception Technology
Deception technology works best as a supplement to existing security measures. Companies of all sizes and industries can benefit from a proactive approach to detecting and eliminating threats.
Improve Response Time
Adopting different deception techniques will allow cybersecurity teams to react quickly to ongoing attacks. Cybersecurity personnel can implement various strategies to address breaches in real time. They can use tools to disrupt hackers, discourage hacks from going further and possibly identify criminals and their intent.
Detect Threats Early and Accurately
Deception sensors are designed to be discreet and difficult to detect. When the sensors notice unauthorized access or suspicious behavior, they will trigger alarms to notify security teams and identify where the attack occurs. Knowing what to look for and where to look is essential in thwarting cyberattacks.
Shorten Attacker Time on Network
Deception techniques like purposely scattering fake assets in servers and systems confuse attackers into wasting their time. Once they realize they are being monitored, they abandon their efforts to avoid discovery. This shortens their dwell time on the network and discourages future attacks.
Reduce False Positives and Staff Fatigue
Cybersecurity fatigue is real, and according to a study, 51% of workers feel overwhelmed with constant alerts. Deception sensors will only trigger alarms when bad actors try to infiltrate systems. The higher-quality detection system eliminates false positives that can unnecessarily stress staff.
Analyze Threats
One of the best qualities of deception technology is its ability to gain insight into the attacker’s mind. Cybersecurity professionals can monitor bad actors and analyze their tools, strategies and methods. Understanding criminal behavior is also essential in cybersecurity. Security teams can stay ahead once they know the criminals’ intentions and skills.
Prevent Future Attacks
Preparing for future attacks is critical for cybersecurity strategies to succeed. Companies that become complacent will be primary targets for hackers and other bad actors. IT teams must do what they can to be prepared and updated on current threats and vulnerabilities. Deception technology gives cybersecurity professionals an edge in repelling attacks and unmasking criminals.
Modern Deception Technology Augments Cybersecurity
Taking a proactive stance on cybersecurity requires constant tweaks to existing strategies. Adding deception technology to security measures will help ensure smooth business operations by detecting and eliminating potential threats early.
