Deception technology deploys fake assets to detect attackers who have bypassed perimeter defenses. Companies can use deception technology to detect and isolate a cyberattack before it reaches the organization’s actual systems. We cover the top 20 deception technology companies.
List of deception technology vendors
Company | Deception tool | Number of employees |
|---|---|---|
FortiNet | FortiDeceptor | 16,093 |
Broadcom | Symantec Endpoint Protection | 13,212 |
Akamai | Akamai GuardiCore | 10,094 |
Commvault | Metallic ThreatWise | 3,371 |
Rapid7 | Rapid7 | 3,076 |
ForeScout Technologies | Forescout Continuum Platform | 1,130 |
LogRhythm | LogRhythm | 279 |
Fidelis Security | Fidelis Deception | 151 |
Acalvio Technologies | ShadowPlex | 82 |
Illusive networks | Illusive Core | 62 |
* Date when tool was launched not the day the company was launched. This is because Symantec’s founding date is irrelevant when discussing their tool which provides features of deception technology.
** Only relevant for startups that focus on a single product because Symantec’s number of employees is irrelevant when discussing their specific deception security tool.
This is possibly an incomplete list in an emerging field, feel free to suggest other vendors in comments.
Types of deception technologies
Deception technologies are security tools designed to mislead attackers and detect malicious activity early. They create fake assets (systems, data, or identities) that have no real business use. Any interaction with them is a strong sign of an attack .
Below are the main types, explained in a simple and structured way.
1. Honeypots
Honeypots are the most common type of deception technology.
They are fake systems that look real and attract attackers. Some even replicate complete operating systems for deeper analysis. Once attackers interact with them, security teams can detect and analyze their behavior.
2. Honeytokens (and Honey credentials)
Honeytokens are fake data elements placed inside real systems. These include:
- Fake usernames and passwords
- API keys
- Documents or database entries
If someone uses or accesses them, it immediately signals a breach because they have no legitimate use.
3. Honey users
Honey users are fake user accounts created in identity systems (such as Active Directory). They are designed to look real but are never used by actual employees. Attackers often try to guess or steal credentials, so interacting with these accounts reveals malicious activity.
4. Honeynets
Honeynets are networks of multiple honeypots. They simulate full network environments, allowing security teams to observe how attackers move across systems, called lateral movement. These setups provide deeper insights into complex attacks.
5. Decoy systems and services
They are designed to look like valuable targets and to closely mimic real environments. These include fake:
- Applications
- Databases
- Cloud services
- Industrial systems
This improves detection of different attack stages, such as reconnaissance or exploitation.
6. Compound (multi-layered) deception environments
These are advanced setups that combine several deception techniques. They may include:
- Fake machines (Windows, Linux, etc.)
- Fake files with embedded credentials
- Simulated network connections
- Central monitoring systems
Such environments create a complete illusion, increasing attacker engagement and improving detection accuracy.
Deception technology ecosystem
Unlike traditional tools that detect attacks after damage is done, deception-based solutions can complement AI cybersecurity by actively luring and identifying malicious actors in real time.
Further Reading
For deeper insights into related cybersecurity technologies and strategies, check out the following resources:
- Open Source Incident Response Tools: Discover tools that can complement deception technologies in managing breaches.
- Agentic AI in Cybersecurity: Understand how autonomous AI agents are being developed to make real-time decisions in cybersecurity environments.
Cem's work has been cited by leading global publications including Business Insider, Forbes, Washington Post, global firms like Deloitte, HPE and NGOs like World Economic Forum and supranational organizations like European Commission. You can see more reputable companies and resources that referenced AIMultiple.
Throughout his career, Cem served as a tech consultant, tech buyer and tech entrepreneur. He advised enterprises on their technology decisions at McKinsey & Company and Altman Solon for more than a decade. He also published a McKinsey report on digitalization.
He led technology strategy and procurement of a telco while reporting to the CEO. He has also led commercial growth of deep tech company Hypatos that reached a 7 digit annual recurring revenue and a 9 digit valuation from 0 within 2 years. Cem's work in Hypatos was covered by leading technology publications like TechCrunch and Business Insider.
Cem regularly speaks at international technology conferences. He graduated from Bogazici University as a computer engineer and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.
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FortiDeceptor from Fortinet should also be considered for this list. Some details can be found here https://www.infosecpartners.com/partners/fortinet/fortideceptor/
Additional information on Fortinet and FortiDeceptor Launched on 2000 MARKET CAP $28.5B 8,232 employees on LinkedIn fortinet.com/products/fortideceptor
Consider adding PacketViper to the list of Deception companies. PacketViper is a lightweight, active, cybersecurity deception technology. The Deception360