Deflection routing
Deflection Routing Definition
Deflection routing is a cybersecurity strategy where incoming cyber attacks are redirected to decoy systems or honeypots, away from critical infrastructure and actual target systems. It is a proactive defense mechanism that aims to deceive attackers and gather intelligence on their tactics and tools.
How Deflection Routing Works
Deflection routing works by redirecting incoming cyber attacks to decoy systems or honeypots instead of the actual target systems. This strategy effectively deceives attackers and allows security teams to gather valuable insights into attack vectors, strategies, and tools. The redirection diverts the assault away from critical infrastructure, keeping the actual target systems safeguarded.
Here is an overview of how deflection routing works:
Detection of Cyber Attacks: When a cyber attack is detected, the deflection routing system identifies it and prepares for redirection.
Redirection to Decoy Systems or Honeypots: The deflection routing system redirects the attack to a decoy network or honeypot, which is designed to appear as if it contains valuable assets or sensitive information.
Deceiving the Attackers: Attackers, unaware that they are being redirected, continue with their efforts on the decoy systems or honeypots. This allows security teams to observe and analyze their tactics, techniques, and tools.
Gathering Threat Intelligence: As attackers interact with the decoy systems or honeypots, security teams gain valuable insights into their methods and tools. This intelligence can be used to enhance overall cybersecurity measures and protect critical infrastructure from future attacks.
Prevention Tips
Implementing deflection routing as part of your cybersecurity infrastructure can provide effective protection against cyber attacks. Here are some prevention tips for implementing deflection routing:
Deploy a Deflection Routing System: Incorporate a robust deflection routing system that is capable of detecting, redirecting, and studying incoming attacks. This system should be integrated into your overall cybersecurity architecture.
Maintain Realistic Decoy Systems or Honeypots: Regularly analyze and update the decoy systems or honeypots to ensure their realism and effectiveness in deceiving attackers. This includes simulating realistic user behavior and creating enticing content that mimics valuable assets or sensitive information.
Learn from Decoy System Interactions: Use the intelligence gathered from interactions with attackers on decoy systems or honeypots to gain insights into their tactics, techniques, and tools. This information can be used to improve your overall cybersecurity strategy and bolster the protection of critical infrastructure.
Related Terms
Here are some related terms that are often associated with deflection routing:
Honeypot: A security mechanism set to detect, deflect, or counteract attempts at unauthorized use of information systems. Honeypots are often used in conjunction with deflection routing to deceive attackers.
Deception Technology: Cybersecurity methods designed to trick cyber attackers and gather threat intelligence. Deflection routing can be considered a type of deception technology, as it aims to deceive attackers and gather insights into their tactics and tools.
By incorporating deflection routing into your cybersecurity strategy, you can proactively defend against cyber attacks, protect critical infrastructure, and gather valuable threat intelligence.