Configure deception rules in Microsoft Defender XDR
5 minutes
5 Questions
Microsoft Defender XDR deception rules are a powerful security feature that allows organizations to create decoy assets and lure potential attackers into revealing their presence. This proactive approach helps security analysts detect threats earlier in the attack chain.
To configure deception rul…Microsoft Defender XDR deception rules are a powerful security feature that allows organizations to create decoy assets and lure potential attackers into revealing their presence. This proactive approach helps security analysts detect threats earlier in the attack chain.
To configure deception rules in Microsoft Defender XDR, navigate to the Microsoft 365 Defender portal and access Settings, then select Endpoints. Under the Rules section, you will find the Deception option where you can manage your deception capabilities.
Deception rules work by deploying fake assets such as decoy user accounts, honeytokens, and lure files across your environment. When attackers interact with these decoys, alerts are generated, providing early warning of malicious activity. The key components include:
**Decoy Accounts**: These are fake user accounts that appear legitimate but serve as tripwires. Any authentication attempt using these credentials triggers an alert.
**Lures**: These are planted files or credentials strategically placed on endpoints. When accessed or used, they signal potential compromise.
**Honeytokens**: Fake data elements embedded in your environment that attract attackers and reveal their tactics.
When configuring deception rules, you should define the scope of deployment, selecting which devices or device groups receive the decoys. You can customize the decoy properties to make them blend naturally with your actual environment, increasing their effectiveness.
Best practices include distributing decoys across high-value targets and network segments where attackers might pivot. Regular review and rotation of deception assets prevents attackers from identifying patterns.
The alerts generated by deception rules integrate with the broader Microsoft Defender XDR incident correlation, allowing security analysts to investigate and respond efficiently. These high-fidelity alerts typically indicate genuine malicious activity since legitimate users have no reason to interact with decoy assets.
Deception technology complements traditional detection methods by adding an active defense layer that catches attackers who have bypassed other security controls.
Configure Deception Rules in Microsoft Defender XDR
Why Deception Rules Are Important
Deception technology is a proactive security strategy that helps organizations detect attackers who have already bypassed perimeter defenses. By deploying fake assets (decoys) and lures throughout your environment, you can identify malicious actors attempting to move laterally or escalate privileges. This approach provides early warning signals of active threats and reduces attacker dwell time significantly.
What Are Deception Rules?
Deception rules in Microsoft Defender XDR allow security teams to create and manage honeytokens, decoy accounts, and lure files that appear legitimate to attackers. When an attacker interacts with these deceptive elements, high-fidelity alerts are generated. Key components include:
• Decoy accounts - Fake user accounts that appear genuine • Lure files - Documents containing fake credentials or sensitive-looking data • Honeytokens - Planted credentials or tokens that trigger alerts when used
How Deception Rules Work
1. Planning - Identify high-value assets and likely attack paths 2. Deployment - Create decoys that blend naturally into your environment 3. Configuration - Set up rules in Microsoft Defender XDR portal under Settings > Identities > Deception rules 4. Monitoring - Review alerts generated when decoys are accessed 5. Response - Investigate and contain threats based on deception alerts
Deception rules integrate with Microsoft Defender for Identity to monitor decoy interactions and generate incidents in the unified security portal.
Configuration Steps
• Navigate to the Microsoft Defender portal • Go to Settings > Identities > Deception rules • Create new deception rules by defining decoy attributes • Specify which devices or OUs should receive lures • Enable the rules and monitor for triggered alerts
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Configure Deception Rules
• Know the location: Remember that deception rules are configured under Settings > Identities in the Defender portal
• Understand prerequisites: Deception capabilities require Microsoft Defender for Identity to be deployed and configured
• Focus on use cases: Questions may present scenarios about detecting lateral movement or credential theft - deception is often the correct answer for early detection
• Differentiate from other features: Know the difference between deception rules, custom detection rules, and alert policies
• Remember alert fidelity: Deception alerts are considered high-fidelity because legitimate users should never interact with decoys
• Lure distribution: Understand that lures are deployed to endpoints via Defender for Endpoint
• Scenario-based questions: When asked about detecting attackers who have already gained initial access, consider deception as a primary detection method
• Integration knowledge: Know that deception alerts appear in the unified incident queue and can trigger automated responses