(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What is a honeypot in cybersecurity?

1. A system designed to provide high performance

2. A decoy system that attracts unauthorized access attempts

3. A backup solution for data protection

4. A type of firewall for network security

The correct answer is: A decoy system that attracts unauthorized access attempts

A honeypot in cybersecurity is a decoy system that is intentionally set up to attract cyber attackers and unauthorized access attempts. Its primary purpose is to serve as a trap, allowing security professionals to monitor, analyze, and learn from the techniques used by malicious actors while keeping them away from the organization's real assets. By simulating vulnerabilities or valuable resources, a honeypot can gather intelligence on attack methods, hacker behavior, and the tools they use. This method not only helps in understanding the threats faced by an organization but can also serve as a deterrent, as attackers may spend time trying to exploit a honeypot rather than targeting critical systems. In contrast, the other choices do not encapsulate the essence of what a honeypot is meant to do in a cybersecurity context. High-performance systems, backup solutions, and firewalls are all important elements in a cybersecurity infrastructure but do not align with the deceptive and monitoring nature of a honeypot.