This is a security measure designed to detect if a ransomware attack has occurred in a network or system. A canary is a file or directory with a unique name that is placed in a sensitive location on the network or system. The file is then monitored for changes, and if it is modified or deleted, an alert is triggered, indicating a potential ransomware attack.
By detecting changes to the canary file, security personnel can respond quickly to a ransomware attack and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the network. The canary acts as an early warning system that helps organizations achieve strong system and data protection from ransomware attacks.
The name is a reference to birds carried down into mines to alert miners to dangerous gasses by …dying. Luckily, with ransomware canaries, no animals are harmed, and they may save you some serious stress.