Primary definition
A system (e.g., a web server) or system resource (e.g., a file on a server) that is designed to be attractive to potential crackers and intruders, like honey is attractive to bears. Source: IETF RFC 4949 Ver 2
Also known asdecoy system · honeytoken · honey file · honey server · honey client · honey net · honeypot server
— Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015View source
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CNSSGC
A system (e.g., a web server) or system resource (e.g., a file on a server) that is designed to be attractive to potential crackers and intruders, like honey is attractive to bears. Source: IETF RFC 4949 Ver 2
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015 · 2024
Cite this term
Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Honeypot. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved September 3, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/honeypot
Sources
3 cited · last checked Aug 9, 2026
01
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015
Committee on National Security Systems Glossary CNSSI 4009-2015
High consensus
02
March 2020 CSC Report
March 2020 CSC Report
Multi-source
03
NICCS Glossary
NICCS Glossary
Multi-source
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