The Moonraker Study: An Experimental Evaluation of Host-Based Deception

Abstract

Cyber deception has been discussed as providing enhanced cyber defense. This human subjects research, one of the first rigorously controlled studies on this topic, found that host-based deception was effective at preventing completion of a specific exfiltration task against a virtual network. In addition to impeding progress and preventing success, the deception resulted in increased confusion and surprise in the participants. This study provided the necessary rigor to scientifically attest to the effectiveness of cyber deception for cyber defense with computer specialists.