In the context of cybersecurity, what is the purpose of a honeypot?

A honeypot is a cybersecurity mechanism designed specifically to attract and analyze cyberattackers. Its primary purpose is to create a decoy system that appears vulnerable and enticing to attackers. By engaging with the honeypot, attackers reveal their techniques, tactics, and procedures, which can provide valuable insights to security teams. This data helps organizations better understand the threats they face, refine their security measures, and improve incident response.

In contrast, other options serve different fundamental functions within cybersecurity. For instance, storing secure data for backup focuses on data protection and recovery rather than attack prevention or analysis. Isolating sensitive information aims to prevent unauthorized access to critical data but does not involve engagement with malicious actors. Managing user access controls is essential for maintaining security and ensuring only authorized personnel can access specific resources, but it does not study the behaviors of attackers. Each of these alternatives has its place in a broader cybersecurity strategy but does not align with the primary function of a honeypot.