LLM Honeypot: Leveraging Large Language Models as Advanced Interactive Honeypot Systems

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel honeypot system leveraging Large Language Models to create realistic, interactive decoys that can effectively engage with attackers and improve cybersecurity threat detection and analysis.

Contribution

The paper presents a new method of using fine-tuned LLMs for interactive honeypots, enhancing realism and engagement compared to traditional decoy systems.

Findings

LLMs can generate accurate attacker-like responses

The system effectively detects malicious activity in live deployment

Enhanced engagement improves threat analysis capabilities

Abstract

The rapid evolution of cyber threats necessitates innovative solutions for detecting and analyzing malicious activity. Honeypots, which are decoy systems designed to lure and interact with attackers, have emerged as a critical component in cybersecurity. In this paper, we present a novel approach to creating realistic and interactive honeypot systems using Large Language Models (LLMs). By fine-tuning a pre-trained open-source language model on a diverse dataset of attacker-generated commands and responses, we developed a honeypot capable of sophisticated engagement with attackers. Our methodology involved several key steps: data collection and processing, prompt engineering, model selection, and supervised fine-tuning to optimize the model's performance. Evaluation through similarity metrics and live deployment demonstrated that our approach effectively generates accurate and informative responses. The results highlight the potential of LLMs to revolutionize honeypot technology, providing cybersecurity professionals with a powerful tool to detect and analyze malicious activity, thereby enhancing overall security infrastructure.