Instead of blocking hackers, a new cybersecurity defense approach developed by University of Texas at Dallas computer scientists actually welcomes them. The method, called DEEP-Dig (DEcEPtion DIGging), ushers intruders into a decoy site so the computer can learn from hackers’ tactics. DEEP-Dig advances a rapidly growing cybersecurity field known as deception technology, which involves setting traps for hackers. The decoy site looks legitimate to intruders, said Dr. Latifur Khan, professor of computer science at UT Dallas. When an attacker tries to play along, the defense system just learns how hackers try to hide their tracks,” Hamlen said.