PS Decoy

A PS Decoy is a type of technique used in penetration testing and cybersecurity to deceive or mislead attackers. It involves creating seemingly valuable or sensitive files, folders, or network services that are actually harmless. The purpose is to lure attackers into interacting with these decoys, allowing defenders to monitor their activities, gather intelligence about their tactics, and potentially delay or disrupt their attack.

PS Decoys are commonly implemented using PowerShell scripting. The script creates files or registry keys that look like they contain passwords, financial data, or other sensitive information. However, these files are actually empty or contain only innocuous data. When an attacker attempts to access or exfiltrate these decoys, an alert is triggered, notifying the security team of a potential breach.

The effectiveness of PS Decoys depends on their realism and placement within the network. They should be disguised to blend in with legitimate files and folders, and they should be located in areas where attackers are likely to search for valuable data. Additionally, the alerts generated by the decoys should provide enough information to identify the attacker's actions and location within the network.

Beyond file and registry-based decoys, PS Decoys can also involve creating fake network services or applications that appear vulnerable or contain sensitive data. These services can be configured to log attacker activity and provide valuable insights into their methods.

Implementing PS Decoys is a proactive security measure that can help organizations detect and respond to attacks more effectively. By monitoring attacker behavior, defenders can gain a better understanding of their tactics and improve their overall security posture.