What is the primary purpose of using a honeypot in cloud security?

Using a honeypot in cloud security primarily serves the purpose of diverting attacks away from important infrastructure. A honeypot is effectively a decoy system or resource designed to attract cyber attackers. By creating an enticing target that appears vulnerable, organizations can draw malicious actors away from their critical systems and data. This not only helps in protecting the vital infrastructure but also provides valuable insights into attackers' methods and tactics.

When attackers interact with the honeypot, security teams can monitor and analyze their behavior without risking the integrity of the actual systems. This proactive approach allows organizations to strengthen their defensive measures against potential real attacks, making it an essential component of an overall cloud security strategy. Furthermore, it contributes to threat intelligence, as data collected from these interactions can be used to anticipate and thwart future attacks.