What is a "honeypot" in the context of cybersecurity?

A honeypot in cybersecurity refers to a deliberately vulnerable system created to attract and deceive potential attackers. The primary purpose of a honeypot is to study and analyze the methods and strategies that attackers use when attempting to breach systems. By engaging with a controlled and monitored environment, cybersecurity professionals can gather valuable intelligence about threats, understand vulnerabilities, and improve security measures.

Implementing a honeypot allows organizations to gain insights into attacker behavior, which can then inform defensive strategies and enhance overall cybersecurity posture. This proactive approach can help in identifying new threats and developing countermeasures before they can affect the actual operational environment.

In contrast, a secure endpoint for data storage, a tool for analyzing internet traffic, and a method to backup data do not capture the essence of what a honeypot is. These options focus on security measures or data management techniques rather than the strategic use of a vulnerable system for research and defense purposes.