Beelzebub review
A flexible self-hosted honeypot runtime with adaptive interactions and deep security integrations.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Beelzebub is an open-source deception runtime for security operators, AI security teams, and developers who need configurable honeypots and decoy services. Its multi-layer scope covers SSH, HTTP, TCP, TELNET, and MCP interactions, with credential lures and cloud decoys included in its category capabilities. Users define decoy services, routes, and response rules in YAML, while high-fidelity event and session evidence supports investigation of activity across the deployed environment.
Its standout feature is the combination of predictable and adaptive behavior. Static handlers provide controlled responses for repeatable decoy behavior, while LLM-powered responses can support more adaptive interactions. Go plugins extend the runtime beyond its built-in behavior. For operations, Beelzebub can run through a local binary, Docker Compose, or Kubernetes with Helm. RabbitMQ event publishing, Prometheus metrics, APIs, and webhooks provide additional ways to connect the runtime with existing monitoring and response workflows.
The ecosystem fit is a strong reason to consider it: published integrations include Microsoft Sentinel, Splunk SIEM, Elastic SIEM, Palo Alto XSOAR, Datadog Security, Fortinet FortiSIEM, and Google Chronicle. The trade-off is ownership of the self-hosted deployment and configuration model, particularly for teams that need to maintain YAML rules, plugins, containers, or Kubernetes resources. Beelzebub suits organizations seeking open-source, adaptive deception with control over deployment and integrations. Teams wanting vendor-managed coordination across cloud, Kubernetes, networks, APIs, and AI-agent surfaces should evaluate the separately described Beelzebub Platform instead.
Beelzebub pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Supports SSH, HTTP, TCP, TELNET, and MCP decoy interactions
- Combines static handlers with adaptive LLM-powered responses
- Offers Docker, Kubernetes, APIs, metrics, plugins, and SIEM integrations
- Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted deployment requires operational ownership
- YAML configuration and Go plugins suit technical security teams
- Managed coordination is provided through a separate Beelzebub Platform offering
Beelzebub fact sheet, pricing and score →
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