Tarpits are computer systems that are used to absorb and delay incoming connections and sessions from an attacker. Tarpits doesn’t prevent cyber security attacks instead they listen and engage with the attacker but respond slowly. This makes the attacker efforts ineffective.
Types of Tarpits
Layer 7 Tarpits engage with Layer 7 Applications requests of HTTP & SMTP and delay their responses. Web Application attacks like XSS, CSRF and Email Attacks like SPAM are slowed down by Layer 7 Tarpits.
Layer 3/4 Tarpits engage with Layer 3 and 4 connections. DoS/DDoS attacks are slowed down by Layer 3/4 Tarpits.