Tarpit (networking)

A tarpit is a service on a computer system (usually a server) that purposely delays incoming connections. The technique was developed as a defense against spam and computer worms. The idea is that network abuses such as spamming or broad scanning are less effective, and therefore less attractive, if they take too long. The concept is analogous with a tar pit, in which animals can get bogged down and slowly sink under the surface, like in a swamp.