Are you tired of playing catch-up with cybercriminals? What if you could turn the tables and outsmart them at their own game? Deception technology in cybersecurity is revolutionizing how organizations detect and respond to threats.  Fortinet’s Moshe Ben Simon, VP of Product Management, and LATG’s Phil McManamon and Delous Smith discussed Fortinet’s approach to this threat on LATG’s Cybersecurity chat episode, Explore The World of Deception Technology.

Here are some highlights of their conversation.

How Fortinet Deceptor Revolutionizes Cyber Threat Detection

Fortinet Deceptor is leading the charge in deception technology, offering a comprehensive platform beyond traditional honeypots. This advanced solution employs four key components to create a multi-layered defense:

• Decoys: Highly realistic fake assets that mimic your natural network environment
• Lures: Attractive services and data designed to catch an attacker’s attention
• Breadcrumbs: Strategically placed false information to guide attackers toward decoys
• Network traffic manipulation: Simulated activity to enhance the deception’s credibility

Unlike conventional security measures, Fortinet Deceptor doesn’t rely on known signatures or patterns. Instead, it creates an intricate web of deception that can catch even the most sophisticated attackers off guard.

Early Breach Detection and Lateral Movement Prevention

One of the most significant advantages of deception technology is its ability to reduce dwell time drastically—the period an attacker remains undetected in your network. By focusing on early breach detection, Fortinet Deceptor can alert you to an intruder’s presence before they can cause significant damage.

How does it work? The platform scatters tempting breadcrumbs throughout your network, leading potential attackers to engage with decoys. When an attacker interacts with these fake assets, you’re alerted to their presence. This approach is particularly effective in detecting reconnaissance activities and lateral movement attempts.

Ransomware Prevention and OT/IoT Security with Deception Technology

Ransomware remains a persistent threat to organizations of all sizes. Fortinet Deceptor offers a unique, agent-less approach to ransomware prevention. The system can detect real-time encryption attempts by deploying decoy network shares, allowing for rapid isolation of affected systems before the malware can spread.

Deception technology shines in Operational Technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) environments. These networks often contain legacy systems and devices that can’t be easily updated or protected with traditional security tools. Fortinet Deceptor provides a nonintrusive layer of security that can detect threats without disrupting critical operations.

For example, Toyota Canada implemented deception technology in its manufacturing facilities to protect robotic systems and prevent production line disruptions. This proactive approach helps safeguard both its operations and its reputation.

False Positive Reduction and Operational Efficiency

Security teams often need help with alert fatigue due to a high volume of false positives. Deception technology flips this problem on its head. Since legitimate users have no reason to interact with decoys, any activity detected is highly likely to be malicious.

This approach lets your team focus on real threats rather than chasing false alarms. Moreover, Fortinet Deceptor integrates seamlessly with existing security infrastructure, such as SIEM and SOAR platforms, streamlining your incident response processes.

Implementing Deception Technology: Best Practices and Considerations

Ready to add deception technology to your security arsenal? Here are some key considerations:

• Start small: Begin with a pilot deployment in a specific segment of your network
• Customize your deceptions: Tailor decoys and lures to match your actual environment
• Regular updates: Keep your deceptions fresh to maintain their effectiveness
• Integration: Ensure your deception platform works well with your existing security tools
• Training: Educate your security team on how to interpret and respond to deception alerts

Remember, the goal is to create a deception layer indistinguishable from your natural assets. The more realistic your decoys, the more likely they are to fool attackers.

The Future of Deception Technology in Cybersecurity

Deception technology will continue to evolve. We expect to see more sophisticated decoys, enhanced AI-driven analysis of attacker behavior, and deeper integration with other security technologies.

The beauty of deception technology lies in its adaptability. As new attack vectors emerge, deception platforms can be quickly updated to mimic these new targets, ensuring your defenses remain relevant and practical.

By incorporating deception technology into your security strategy, you’re not just defending your network – actively engaging with potential threats, gathering intelligence, and staying ahead of the curve. It’s time to turn the tables on cybercriminals and make them second-guess every move they make in your network.

Ready to explore how deception technology can enhance your cybersecurity posture? Contact us today to learn more about Fortinet Deceptor and how it can meet your organization’s unique needs.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How is deception technology different from traditional honeypots?

While both aim to lure attackers, deception technology like Fortinet Deceptor offers a more comprehensive and scalable approach. Rather than isolated trap systems, it creates a complete deception layer across your network, including decoys, lures, and breadcrumbs.

Can deception technology work in cloud environments?

Modern deception platforms work across various environments, including on-premises, cloud, and hybrid infrastructures. They can be adapted to mimic the specific assets and services used in your cloud deployments.

How does deception technology handle false positives?

One key advantage of deception technology is its low false-positive rate. Since legitimate users have no reason to interact with decoys, any activity detected is likely malicious, significantly reducing alert fatigue for security teams.

Is deception technology suitable for small to medium-sized businesses?

Absolutely. Deception technology can scale to fit organizations of all sizes. 

How often should deception assets be updated?

They should be updated regularly to maintain effectiveness. Many modern platforms offer automated updates and can dynamically adjust decoys based on changes in the actual network environment. However, periodically reviewing and adjusting your deception strategy is good practice, especially after significant changes to your infrastructure.

For over 25 years, LATG has been building IT success with people and planning.  We’re a proud Fortinet partner and can help you with your business’s cybersecurity needs.  To schedule a demo, get access to the Fortideceptor lab environment, or learn more about pricing, contact LATG at 504-304-2505 or info@latg.com