Man-in-the-Middle Attack (MitM)
What is it and how can we defend against them
A Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack is a type of cyberattack where a malicious actor secretly intercepts and possibly alters the communication between two parties who believe they are communicating directly with each other. The attacker positions themselves between the sender and receiver, allowing them to eavesdrop, steal sensitive data, or manipulate the information being exchanged.
Here's how it works:
- Interception: The attacker gains access to the communication channel – this could be through an unsecured Wi-Fi network, compromised router, or malware on a device.
- Eavesdropping or Alteration: Once in the middle, the attacker can:
- Listen in on the conversation (e.g., read emails, messages, or login credentials).
- Modify data being sent (e.g., change bank transfer details).
- Impersonate one or both parties to gain further access.
Common Types of MitM Attacks:
- Wi-Fi Eavesdropping: Attackers set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots to intercept data.
- HTTPS Spoofing: Tricking users into visiting fake websites that look secure.
- Session Hijacking: Stealing session cookies to impersonate a user.
- DNS Spoofing: Redirecting users to malicious websites by altering DNS responses.
How to Protect Against MitM Attacks:
- Use HTTPS and check for valid security certificates.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.
- Use VPNs to encrypt your internet traffic.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Keep software and devices updated with the latest security patches.
MitM attacks are particularly dangerous because they are often invisible to the victim. They are commonly used for data theft, espionage, and financial fraud.