Deception as Defense: Using Honeypots to Protect Industrial Networks
Industrial networks are stable and predictable by design—a strength for operations, but also a potential risk for cyberattacks. Sam Van Hauwaert, Senior Cybersecurity Specialist at Vinçotte (a Kiwa company), shares his thoughts on how honeypots and deception technology can turn this predictability into an advantage, helping detect threats early and protect critical assets before attackers strike.
Sam Van Hauwaert, Senior Cybersecurity Specialist at Vinçotte, a Kiwa company
In industrial environments, productivity and reliability are a primary concern. Processes often run 24/7, systems are maintained in a very static way, and change is carefully controlled. This predictability offers unique opportunities to detect anomalies and deviations from baseline traffic. Traditional intrusion detection systems (IDS), optimized for Industrial Networks, typically use passive network monitoring to detect network anomalies. Although these IDS systems remain of extraordinary value in Industrial Networks, they require exceptional expertise and maturity in networking for optimal usage.
Introducing Deception Technology
Deception technology, and specifically honeypots, can offer an alternative detection opportunity, allowing for early detection of malicious reconnaissance in Industrial Networks.
Honeypots are systems deliberately designed to look like legitimate assets. Their purpose is simple: attract, detect, and alert on adversaries. In the context of static, often unpatched, and poorly segmented Industrial Network, these systems offer exceptional opportunities to detect malicious actors in your network.
Why Honeypots Work So Well in OT Environments
Most industrial networks are highly predictable. Controllers talk to the same HMI, the same historian, and the same DCS and the same ERP systems day in and day out, often with very little broadcast traffic, limited use of DNS and WINS, and absolutely no user traffic. Unlike IT networks, OT environments aren’t flooded with random packets, user-to-user communications or background noise. This means even a limited set of packets hitting a honeypot can be meaningful, making detection faster and more accurate.
Catching Attackers Before They Reach Critical Assets
Modern attackers rarely go for the crown jewels directly. They first explore the network, probe for easy targets, and pivot from vulnerable system to vulnerable system to increase their chances of maintaining command and control. Honeypots strategically placed at zone boundaries can help catch attackers in the act before they reach critical assets.
Honeypots are not replacements for segmentation, firewalls, authentication, patching or monitoring tools. They can complement these best practices and offer early-detection of malicious actors. They add another detection layer, increasing your chances of spotting threats before they escalate.
Turning Predictability Into an Advantage
In industrial cybersecurity, defenders often feel outmatched by the typical threats of Industrial Networks: lack of segmentation, unpatched systems, legacy hardware and operating systems, unauthenticated protocols… but ICS networks have a unique characteristic: predictability. That same predictability makes them ideal for deception. A well-designed honeypot doesn’t just catch attackers, it buys defenders time and insight.
By integrating honeypots into a layered, standards-based defense strategy, you can move beyond passive defense and actively hunt for malicious actors, without impacting the operations of your Industrial Control System.
"Industrial networks are highly predictable, and that predictability can be leveraged to detect malicious actors early—before they reach critical assets"
Final Thoughts
Honeypots will not replace a comprehensive security program, and they are only effective when carefully designed, deployed, and managed. When implemented correctly, however, honeypots can be a powerful tool for early detection in industrial environments.
As threats to industrial control systems continue to evolve, organizations should consider whether deception technologies—supported by expert guidance and embedded in a layered security approach—have a place in their industrial security program.
Secure Your Industrial Operations – Talk to Sam
At Kiwa, we support clients in strengthening their industrial cybersecurity strategies through deep expertise in OT environments and independent certification and assurance services.
If you’d like to learn more or discuss the insights from this article, you can directly book a call with Sam Van Hauwaert, the author and cybersecurity expert.
