Which of the following is NOT a feature of email honeypots?

Email honeypots are designed specifically to collect and analyze malicious emails, often as part of a broader strategy to enhance cybersecurity. They operate by creating fake email accounts that are intended to lure in spammers or malicious actors. Capturing malicious emails, identifying spammers, and attracting phishing attempts are all integral features of what a honeypot does; they serve the purpose of observing, recording, and analyzing the tactics, techniques, and procedures used by cybercriminals.

Validating trusted email connections, however, is not a feature of email honeypots. This process involves verifying whether an incoming email actually originates from a legitimate and authorized source, and is typically a function of email authentication technologies. Email honeypots do not engage in validation in this manner; instead, they passively collect data from unsolicited emails, which can help in understanding and defending against spam and phishing threats. Thus, this is why validating trusted email connections stands out as the feature that does not belong in the context of email honeypots.