Deception defense addresses encrypted traffic attacks by deploying decoys and traps within the network to detect and mislead attackers, even when traffic is encrypted. Since encrypted traffic (e.g., HTTPS) is unreadable to traditional security tools without decryption, deception technology bypasses the need to inspect the content directly. Instead, it lures attackers into interacting with fake assets (like decoy servers or services) that appear legitimate but are actually monitored traps.
When an attacker targets these decoys, their behavior—such as scanning, probing, or attempting exploitation—is revealed, even if the traffic is encrypted. The deception system can analyze metadata (like connection attempts, handshake patterns, or anomalous behavior) to identify threats without decrypting the actual data.
Example: An attacker sends encrypted HTTPS requests to what they believe is a real database server. In reality, the server is a decoy. The attacker’s login attempts or unusual query patterns trigger alerts, exposing the attack.
In cloud environments, Tencent Cloud's deception defense solutions (like honeypots integrated with security services) can deploy decoys across virtual networks to detect encrypted threats. These solutions work alongside encryption-aware monitoring to identify suspicious activities without compromising privacy or requiring full traffic decryption.