A recent analysis by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) on honeypot and cyber deception technologies suggests these tools can significantly disrupt cyberattacks. However, the agency emphasizes the need for more comprehensive information and standardized practices to enhance their effectiveness. The NCSC plans to address these gaps to better support organizations in safeguarding against cyber threats.
The NCSC’s testing initiative involved collaboration with 121 organizations, 14 commercial honeypot and deception technology providers, and conducted trials in various settings including cloud environments and operational technology (OT) systems.
Challenges with Honeypot and Cyber Deception Implementation
According to feedback from surveyed organizations, many believe that cyber deception technologies have the potential to provide substantial advantages, particularly in detecting emerging threats and improving threat intelligence. Additionally, some foresee these tools being useful in identifying insider threats.
However, the NCSC pointed out that “outcome-based metrics” necessary for evaluating the success of these technologies are currently lacking and need further development. The agency indicated that the effectiveness of honeypots and cyber deception tools is contingent upon possessing appropriate data and contextual understanding. While cyber deception proved valuable for enhancing visibility across a variety of systems, including outdated or specialized systems, organizations could risk creating more confusion than clarity without a clear deployment strategy.
The agency refrained from detailing the specific types of data considered missing, though it concluded that there is a strong incentive for increasing the adoption of cyber deception tactics throughout the UK.
Core Assumptions About Cyber Deception Tools
The study focused on three fundamental beliefs regarding cyber deception technologies:
- They can aid in detecting intrusions already within networks.
- They can identify new attacks as they occur.
- They can influence attackers’ behavior if the tools are known to be employed by an organization.
Need for Standardized Terminology and Guidance
The tests, part of the Active Cyber Defence (ACD) 2.0 program, highlighted a significant issue: inconsistent terminology and a lack of guidance impede the effective utilization of these technologies. The NCSC noted, “There’s a surprising amount of confusion around terminology, and vocabulary across the industry is often inconsistent,” making it difficult for organizations to comprehend their options or objectives. To remedy this, the NCSC plans to standardize its terminology concerning cyber deception.
Another hurdle facing organizations is uncertainty about where to begin with these technologies. Many express a desire for unbiased advice, practical case studies, and assurance regarding the effectiveness and safety of the tools they may use. Despite the presence of numerous cyber deception providers offering diverse products and services, navigating this market can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers.
The NCSC aims to assist organizations in making informed and strategic choices as they consider implementing these technologies.
Should Organizations Disclose Their Use of Deception Tools?
Interestingly, the NCSC found that 90% of trial participants prefer not to publicly acknowledge their use of cyber deception technologies. This approach is understandable, as organizations may be hesitant to alert potential attackers to their defenses. However, academic research suggests that when attackers suspect the use of cyber deception, their confidence in executing attacks may diminish, leading to disruption in their strategies and ultimately benefiting the defending organizations.
Proper application and configuration of these technologies also present challenges. The NCSC noted, “As with any cybersecurity solution, misconfiguration can introduce new vulnerabilities.” If not correctly configured, these deception tools may not only fail to identify threats but could also foster a false sense of security or, even worse, open new pathways for attackers. Given the dynamic nature of networks and emerging tools, it is crucial to continuously update and fine-tune cyber deception solutions.
Looking ahead, the NCSC plans to further enhance organizations’ understanding of honeypots and deception technologies, potentially through a new service under the ACD initiative. The agency expressed its commitment to fostering a robust understanding of cyber deception, aiming to establish clear metrics for measuring its effectiveness in the field.
The potential of cyber deception to impose costs on adversaries stands out as one of its most promising attributes. By compelling attackers to navigate false environments or pursue incorrect credentials, these tools can slow down attacks and increase the chance of detection, ultimately contributing to enhancing the UK’s national cybersecurity resilience.
