CompTIA CySA+ Practice Test

What is a honeypot primarily used for?

1. Collecting normal business operations data

2. Attracting and analyzing attacker behavior

3. Securing an API's key management

4. Performing software or application deployment

The correct answer is: Attracting and analyzing attacker behavior

A honeypot is primarily used for attracting and analyzing attacker behavior. This type of cybersecurity mechanism is designed to act as a decoy, drawing in cybercriminals who are looking for vulnerabilities to exploit. By simulating a vulnerable system, a honeypot can provide valuable insights into the tactics, techniques, and procedures that attackers use during an intrusion attempt. Through monitoring the interactions with the honeypot, security professionals can gather data on how attackers operate, the tools they utilize, and the types of vulnerabilities they target. This information is crucial for strengthening an organization's overall security posture, as it allows teams to proactively address potential threats and enhance their detection and response capabilities. In contrast, collecting normal business operations data, securing an API's key management, and performing software or application deployment do not serve the primary function of a honeypot. These activities relate more to routine business processes, security management of applications, and implementation of software solutions, rather than the strategic analysis of malicious actions aimed at exploiting system weaknesses.