Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attack

Glossary

What is a Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attack?

Attacks known as “Man-in-the-Middle” (MitM) take advantage of the data transfer process that occurs between a user’s device and the website server.

Through the compromise of the router directing internet traffic, attackers are able to intercept and perhaps modify this data in real-time. The attacker can intercept, alter, or reroute messages by placing oneself in the way of the user and the server, giving the impression that the user is speaking with the intended website directly and securely.

The majority of cyberattacks that target the theft of private data, including passwords and bank account information, are pervasive attacks like MitM. A successful MitM attack requires the attacker to stay under the radar, frequently employing complex techniques to take advantage of network flaws and produce convincingly phoney versions of the targeted apps.

How Do Cybercriminals Conduct MitM Attacks?

Public Wi-Fi networks are more vulnerable to Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks than private networks because of their inherent lack of protection. Attackers find it simpler to sneak in when using public Wi-Fi because it is meant to be available to everyone in the vicinity. Once the internet router is compromised using tools that identify unpatched vulnerabilities, criminals take advantage of this. Once in charge, they are able to intercept and decode data that the victim is sending.

An attacker can intercept data in many ways. They can use tools to examine data packets as they flow over the network and intercept unencrypted information like usernames and passwords is a simple technique known as “sniffing.” They might also interfere with network services by injecting malicious data packets into the communication stream via packet injection. Sniffing traffic to find session tokens and using that knowledge to intercept and change data as if they were the user is another technique known as “session hijacking.”

Attackers may also use an SSL stripping attack on encrypted traffic to intercept packets, divert users to HTTP versions of websites that are less secure, and then sniff and inject data into what should be secure connections, revealing confidential data.

By using these techniques, hackers can put themselves in a position where they can steal personal data without being noticed by the user and the server.

Most Common Types of MitM Attacks

  1. Packet Sniffing: Attackers can intercept unencrypted data, including usernames and passwords, by using software to intercept and analyse data packets as they move over a network.
  2. Session Hijacking: This technique, which is often referred to as cookie hijacking, entails taking control of a user’s session and impersonating them by collecting session tokens from their cookies.
  3. SSL Stripping: Encrypted traffic is intercepted and manipulated by attackers who downgrade a secure HTTPS connection to an unsecured HTTP connection.
  4. DNS Spoofing: This attack, also referred to as DNS cache poisoning, modifies DNS records to divert a user’s request for a website to a malicious website.
  5. Wi-Fi Eavesdropping: Hackers install malicious Wi-Fi hotspots in order to capture user data and obtain private information from those connecting to these unprotected networks.

Combat MitM Threats

Prioritise the following key measures to be safe against Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks:

  1. Use Strong Encryption: Make sure that websites encrypt data during transmission using HTTPS at all times. Check if the address bar of your browser has the padlock symbol displayed.
  2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Account security can be enhanced by adding a verification step, which protects accounts even in the event that login credentials are compromised.
  3. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions: Wi-Fi networks in public places are susceptible to MitM attacks. When utilising these networks to access sensitive data, make use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
  4. Keep Software Updated: Update all software, operating systems, and browsers frequently to fix security holes that hackers might exploit.
  5. Use VPNs: To make it more difficult for hackers to intercept and access the data, make use of a VPN, which encrypts all internet traffic with your gadget or machine and the VPN server.

How can iZOOlogic help my Company or Organisation?

Find out how iZOOlogic can protect you against Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) threats with the Third Party Vulnerability Assessment solutions.

To find out more about how iZOOlogic can help protect your company’s cyber security, schedule a demo.