What is the primary purpose of a honeyfile?

The primary purpose of a honeyfile is to aid in tracking and identifying an attacker or policy violator. Honeyfiles are designed to act as decoy files placed within a network or system to lure in unauthorized users. When an attacker or unauthorized user interacts with a honeyfile, it allows security teams to gather valuable information about the attacker’s methods and intentions.

By monitoring access to honeyfiles, organizations can gain insights into potential security threats and assess their vulnerabilities. This proactive measure can help in incident response and can provide critical clues that lead to identifying attackers or malicious activities within the environment. Thus, honeyfiles play a crucial role in enhancing an organization’s cybersecurity posture by serving as a tool for detection and deterrence.