honeypot
honeypot Lexical Profile
honeypot Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A decoy computer system, server, or network set up with intentional vulnerabilities to attract, detect, deflect, or study unauthorized access and cyberattacks.
"The cybersecurity team deployed a honeypot on the outer network to observe the tactics of the intruders without risking confidential client data."
A source of great attraction, wealth, or desirable benefits that draws many people or organizations toward it, or an espionage trap using romantic attraction as bait.
"The booming technology hub quickly became a honeypot for venture capitalists and ambitious software engineers."
A pot, jar, or small vessel used for storing and serving honey.
"She placed a ceramic honeypot alongside the warm scones and teapot on the breakfast table."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the 16th century as a compound of 'honey' and 'pot' to denote a literal storage jar for honey, the word later acquired figurative meanings based on the proverb that honey attracts flies, eventually being adopted in 1990s cybersecurity for decoy computer systems.