Insider threats drain organizational budgets by $17.4 million[1] annually on average, with over 80% of companies experiencing at least one insider-related incident in the past year. Existing insider threat solutions deliver inadequate protection because of excessive false positives, sluggish threat detection, and weak intelligence gathering capabilities.
Fidelis Deception® bridges these gaps using proactive deception technology that provides instant threat detection with very low false positive rates and high-fidelity alerts.
Current Insider Risk Management Challenges
Today’s insider threat solutions depend on behavioral analytics that burden security teams with operational difficulties:
Alert Overload: Security analysts waste 25% of their time chasing false positives from conventional monitoring tools. Entity behavior analytics flag routine user behavior variations as suspicious activity, flooding security operations centers with alerts that lack actionable intelligence.
Detection Lag: Building behavioral baselines demands weeks or months of data collection before monitoring becomes effective. The median dwell time[2] for breaches is now 12 days, but insider threats can still remain undetected for weeks or months, giving attackers ample time for data exfiltration or system compromise.
Intelligence Gaps: Current solutions generate reactive alerts without revealing attacker methodologies, hampering threat hunting efforts and proactive defense improvements.
What You’ll Learn:
Decoy types & placement
Breadcrumb traps that trigger
Detect AD, ransomware, phishing
Technical Architecture and Deception Layer Design
Core Implementation Framework
Fidelis Deception® deploys a dynamic overlay of decoys and breadcrumbs that integrates with production environments. The system continuously maps network topology, calculates asset risk, and determines optimal decoy placement through automated analysis.
Network Terrain Mapping: Automated discovery maintains visibility across on-premises, cloud, endpoints, containers, and IoT environments without manual configuration. This capability protects sensitive data repositories and critical infrastructure components.
Risk-Based Deployment: Machine learning algorithms analyze infrastructure to identify high-value targets, automatically generating convincing decoy assets that mirror critical systems. This approach ensures insider threat solutions align with organizational risk profiles.
Adaptive Evolution: The deception layer evolves automatically as production environments change, maintaining authenticity and effectiveness without administrative overhead. This capability ensures continued protection as organizations modify access controls and system configurations.
Decoy Asset Implementation
Hardware Decoys: Servers, workstations, network devices, printers, and IoT devices that appear identical to legitimate infrastructure. These assets provide comprehensive coverage while consuming minimal resources.
Software Decoys: Operating systems, applications, databases, and services configured to match production environments. These decoys protect sensitive information by providing attractive targets that divert malicious insiders from actual data repositories.
Cloud Decoys: Virtual machines, containers, cloud applications, and identity services distributed across cloud platforms. This coverage ensures protection of sensitive data stored in hybrid environments.
Breadcrumb Distribution Methodology
Strategic placement of attractive lures throughout production environments ensures insider threats encounter deception assets during reconnaissance. This approach protects intellectual property and sensitive information through proactive threat engagement.
Credential Breadcrumbs: Memory credentials, registry-stored passwords, and privileged account references embedded in legitimate systems. These breadcrumbs detect credential theft and unauthorized access attempts.
Document Breadcrumbs: Files containing false but compelling information distributed across file shares and user directories. This technique prevents data leaks by providing alternative targets for malicious insiders.
Network Breadcrumbs: Network shares, server references, and connection strings pointing to decoy infrastructure. These breadcrumbs detect lateral movement and unauthorized network exploration.
Application Breadcrumbs: Configuration files, connection strings, and application credentials leading to deception assets. This coverage protects critical applications and prevents data loss through application-layer attacks.
Performance Comparison: Deception Technology vs Traditional Detection
CapabilityTraditional SolutionsFidelis Deception®
Detection MethodBehavioral analyticsInteraction-based detectionFalse Positive Rate7-15%Very low (high-fidelity alerts, minimal false positives)Detection SpeedOften delayedImmediate alertingResource RequirementsHigh tuning overheadMinimal maintenanceThreat IntelligencePost-incident analysisReal-time TTP captureCoverage ScopeTool-specific limitationsUnified across environmentsOperational ImpactInvestigation overheadZero production impact
Deployment Methodology
Phase 1: Environment Assessment
Automated network discovery and asset inventory across enterprise infrastructure
Risk assessment and high-value target identification for sensitive data protection
Integration planning with existing security tools and regulatory compliance frameworks
Phase 2: Deception Layer Deployment
Automated decoy generation based on discovered infrastructure and data analytics
Strategic breadcrumb placement throughout production environment
Real-time monitoring activation and alert configuration for security teams
Phase 3: Intelligence Collection
Continuous threat intelligence gathering and analysis of insider activities
Integration with SIEM and extended detection platforms for enhanced visibility
Proactive defense improvement based on captured attacker TTPs
Real-World Detection Scenarios
Privileged Account Compromise
Insiders accessing credential breadcrumbs during privilege escalation attempts trigger immediate alerts. Security teams receive complete audit trails of accessed systems, detailed attacker methodology and tool usage, plus real-time threat containment guidance without business disruption.
Data Loss Prevention
Malicious insiders encountering document breadcrumbs during sensitive data searches trigger immediate threat identification and containment. The system provides comprehensive intelligence on target data categories and proactive hardening recommendations for actual data repositories.
Lateral Movement Detection
Compromised accounts following network breadcrumbs during reconnaissance generate real-time alerts upon decoy access. The system maps complete attacker movement patterns and provides automated threat isolation guidance to prevent data breach scenarios.
Operational Benefits
Resource Optimization
Minimal infrastructure requirements through intelligent resource allocation. Decoy systems appear as full infrastructure to attackers while consuming minimal compute, storage, and network resources. Organizations maintain comprehensive protection without significant operational overhead.
Automated Management
Zero-configuration deployment and autonomous operation eliminate administrative overhead. The system automatically adapts to infrastructure changes and maintains deception effectiveness without manual intervention, allowing security teams to focus on critical response activities.
Intelligence Generation
Every threat interaction provides comprehensive attacker intelligence including complete command and control communication logs, detailed tool and technique documentation, and targeted asset identification with attack pattern analysis. This intelligence enables proactive threat hunting and improved security posture.
Integration Capabilities
SIEM Enhancement
High-fidelity alerts reduce investigation overhead while providing contextual threat intelligence that improves overall security effectiveness. Integration with existing SIEM platforms ensures seamless workflow integration for security analysts.
Extended Detection and Response (XDR) Integration
EDR Complementarity
Proactive threat detection capabilities that operate independently of signature-based and behavior-based detection methods. This approach provides additional protection layers that complement existing endpoint detection tools.
Measurable Security Improvements
Government Agencies Results
Enables SOC teams to spot and stop advanced intrusions before attackers reach sensitive data or disrupt public services.
Helps agencies track attacker TTPs and adapt defenses to new criminal tactics.
Reduction in false positive alert volume affecting security operations
Healthcare Organization Outcomes
Zero operational disruption during active cyber events
Comprehensive regulatory compliance support for sensitive data protection
Significant incident response cost reduction through improved threat detection
to Safeguard Healthcare Sensitive Data
Shortcomings of Conventional Cyber Defenses
A New Approach Through Deception Technology
Deception in Action for Healthcare
Critical Infrastructure Protection
Proactive detection of advanced persistent threats targeting sensitive information
Maintained operational capability during sophisticated attacks
Enhanced threat intelligence for proactive defense improvement
Technical Specifications
Deployment Requirements
Minimal network footprint with standard TCP/IP protocols
Compatible with existing security infrastructure and access controls
Scalable across hybrid cloud and IoT environments
Performance Characteristics
Sub-second alert generation upon threat interaction
Automated decoy lifecycle management
Real-time threat intelligence correlation and analysis
Security Assurance
Zero impact on production systems and business operations
Comprehensive audit logging and forensic capabilities for regulatory compliance
Encrypted communication channels for all deception traffic
Implementation Planning
Resource Planning
Fidelis Deception® requires minimal infrastructure investment while delivering maximum security value. Automated deployment eliminates specialized personnel requirements and reduces implementation complexity for organizations with limited cybersecurity resources.
Scalability Architecture
Dynamic scaling capabilities ensure consistent protection across expanding infrastructure. The system automatically adapts to cloud migrations, IoT deployments, and infrastructure changes without manual reconfiguration.
Risk Management
Deception assets operate in isolated environments, preventing security vulnerabilities or operational risks. Complete separation from production systems ensures zero business impact during threat engagement while maintaining data integrity.
Return on Investment Analysis
Cost Reduction
Needs minimal resources, no extra staff or hardware
Lets teams focus on real threats, not false alarms
Significant reduction in incident response and recovery costs
Security Effectiveness
Immediate threat detection eliminates extended compromise periods
Comprehensive threat intelligence improves overall security posture
Proactive defense capabilities prevent successful attacks against sensitive data
Operational Efficiency
Automated deployment and management reduce administrative overhead
High-fidelity alerts eliminate investigation fatigue
Continuous intelligence collection enables proactive security improvements
Implementation Process
Technical Evaluation
Organizations should request detailed technical demonstrations showcasing Fidelis Deception® capabilities in representative network environments. Evaluation should focus on integration with existing security tools and measurement of false positive reduction.
Documentation Review
Access comprehensive technical specifications, deployment guides, and integration documentation for thorough evaluation. Documentation should include specific requirements for regulatory compliance and data protection standards.
Proof of Concept
Limited deployment validates effectiveness and integration capabilities within existing security infrastructure. This approach enables organizations to measure actual performance improvements and threat detection capabilities.
Implementation Planning
Engagement with technical specialists develops comprehensive deployment strategy and integration roadmap. Planning should address specific organizational requirements for insider threat solutions and data loss prevention.
Fidelis Deception® transforms insider threat management from reactive monitoring to proactive threat engagement. The technology provides comprehensive protection against malicious insiders while reducing operational overhead and improving threat detection capabilities.
Technical Resources
Product Specifications: Detailed technical capabilities and requirements documentation
Deployment Guide: Step-by-step implementation procedures for enterprise environments
Integration Documentation: Technical requirements for SIEM, XDR, and EDR integration
Case Studies: Measurable outcomes from government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure deployments
The solution addresses critical gaps in insider risk management through advanced deception technology that provides immediate threat detection, comprehensive intelligence collection, and minimal false positive rates. Organizations can maintain regulatory compliance while protecting sensitive data and intellectual property through proactive threat engagement and automated response capabilities.
Advanced data analytics and machine learning algorithms enable the system to identify high-value targets and optimize operations while maintaining comprehensive coverage of user behavior patterns. Security teams benefit from reduced alert fatigue and improved ability to respond to real threats while maintaining focus on critical security operations.
The platform’s ability to prevent data leaks through strategic deception deployment makes it an essential component of comprehensive data loss prevention strategies. Organizations can protect employees and customers while maintaining operational integrity through sophisticated threat detection and response capabilities.
Risk scoring mechanisms enable security teams to prioritize threats based on actual risk levels rather than behavioral analytics that generate excessive false positives. This approach helps organizations identify suspicious behavior patterns while maintaining focus on protecting sensitive information and preventing data breaches.
The system’s integration capabilities ensure seamless operation with existing security tools and processes, enabling organizations to optimize their security operations without disrupting established workflows. This approach provides enhanced protection against insider threats while maintaining operational efficiency and regulatory compliance requirements.
Our Secret – Integrated Fidelis Deception Technology
Early Threat Detection and Hunting
Simplify security operations
Provide unmatched visibility and control
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