Individual skill

deploying-decoy-files-for-ransomware-detection

Deploys canary files (honeytokens) across file systems to detect ransomware encryption activity in real time. Uses strategically placed decoy documents monitored via file integrity monitoring or OS-level watchdogs to trigger alerts when ransomware modifies or encrypts them. Activates for requests involving ransomware canary deployment, honeyfile setup, deception-based ransomware detection, or file integrity monitoring for encryption.

skills/deploying-decoy-files-for-ransomware-detection/SKILL.md

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Aug 31, 2026
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Apache-2.0

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# Deploying Decoy Files for Ransomware Detection

## When to Use

- Setting up early-warning detection for ransomware on file servers or endpoints
- Supplementing EDR/AV with a deception-based detection layer that catches unknown ransomware variants
- Creating high-fidelity ransomware alerts that have very low false-positive rates (legitimate users have no reason to touch decoy files)
- Testing ransomware response procedures by validating that canary file modifications trigger the expected alerting pipeline
- Protecting high-value file shares (finance, HR, legal) with tripwire files that indicate unauthorized encryption activity

**Do not use** decoy files as the sole ransomware defense. They are a detection mechanism, not a prevention mechanism, and should complement backups, EDR, and access controls.

## Prerequisites
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