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

The Man-in-the-Middle attack is a cyber attack. In this attack, an attacker eavesdrops on a conversation or transaction that takes place. The attacker can either modify or delete the information. This is a dangerous kind of attack which poses a risk to business entities and individuals. 

The key point about man in the middle attack (MitM) is that they can occur on any network regardless of its type. It is inclined to expose internet users who connect to unsecured public wireless networks. Thieves seek to obtain users’ login details or any other closely guarded data, such as financial information.

Table of Contents:

• How does MITM work?
• Types of Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
  
• Man-in-the-Middle Attack Examples
• MitM Attack Progression
  
• Man in the Middle Attack Prevention
  
• Who is at Risk of Man-in-the-Middle Attacks?
• Popular Man-in-the-Middle Attack Tools
• How to Detect Man-in-the-Middle Attacks?
• Man-in-the-Middle Attack Techniques
• FAQs
• Conclusion

How does MITM work?

The man in the middle attack is a common form of attack in which the attacker sits in the middle of the communicating parties. The attacker can read the messages, insert new messages, and even delete the received messages. This makes the victims feel that they are directly conversing with each other. However, the aggressor is conducting the conversation. This way, the attacker can seize valuable data. They can also forge the content of the data being exchanged.

Types of Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

The various types of man in the middle attack:

• Wi-fi Eavesdropping

By targeting the wifi networks, the attackers get a chance to intercept data transmitted by the users of the public network. They eavesdrop during the communication process. A major disadvantage of connecting to Public Wi-Fi networks is that they have no security. This makes them very vulnerable and easy targets for the adversaries. When you work with such networks, your data is vulnerable to being intercepted.

• DNS Spoofing

Attackers deceive users by sending them to other websites that are not the original ones. They accomplish this by changing DNS records. DNS (Domain Name System) is a process by which website names are translated to IP addresses. This is because once an attacker gains control of your DNS records, then he can deceive you. They can forward you to a fake website other than the bank or company’s authentic website.

• IP Spoofing

This type of man in the middle attack in cyber security involves the enemy masking themselves under the IP address of a trusted entity. They deceive users to provide them with information. The attacker then proceeds to spoof the victim node by using an IP address that is recognised by the system. In this way, they can Tap data intended for that trusted IP.

• HTTPS Spoofing

Hackers utilize fake secured sites in mitm attack. They spy and collect private information from users. HTTPS, the Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, has the purpose of providing a more secure connection. But attackers can make fake HTTPS sites. It is a form of deception where users believe they are on a trusted website while they are not.

• ARP Spoofing

Targets associate their MAC address with a legal IP address in this type of man in the middle attack in cyber security. They receive packets of data intended for a specific IP. ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) is responsible for associating an IP address with a MAC address. Another significant risk is that through ARP poisoning, a malicious user can intercept traffic.

• Email Hacking

Hackers get into the email accounts. They dictate their correspondents or rewrite email messages. This is usually the case since mail accounts always contain important data. Since emails contain valuable information, hackers access them to steal or spread the data to other individuals.

• Session Hacking

An attacker gains control or impersonates the legitimate user. It gives them control of the user’s account. They are generated when you log into websites. For instance, one can steal a session cookie and thus seize control over your session. This means that hackers can easily get into your account without needing the actual password.

• SSL Stripping

This is where a malicious user forces the connection to be changed from a secure HTTPS connection to a less secure HTTP connection. Scammers specifically target data transmitted in clear text. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a method of encrypting data during the process of its transmission. SSL stripping does away with this kind of encryption. It compels the use of HTTP, making data decrypted and easily accessible to the attacker.

• MITB Attack

MITB attack occurs through the use of malware. The malware can inspect data in the browser. I want to point out that this type of attack is rather discreet. The malware remains concealed in the browser, thereby making it difficult to detect. As for what it can do, this malware can take login details, financial data, and other information.

Related Post : What Is Digital Forensics

Man-in-the-Middle Attack Examples

MitM attacks are evident in many real-life scenarios, and here are some examples: An example is the National Security Agency Surveillance, where the agency was accused of spying on its citizens. In this case, the NSA gained control over the communication data. Another example is the case of Equifax, which recently suffered a data breach. In this case, intruders compromised the identity of millions of users and escaped with sensitive details. With these examples, people should be able to understand how dangerous MitM attacks can be.

MitM Attack Progression

• Interception

This one occurs when the attacker intercepts the intended communication. They mediate and stand between the two conflicted parties. It is the first stage of a man-in-the-middle attack. In the case of an attacker, the latter has to intercept the data exchange. They can do this using several methods. These are named Wi-Fi snooping, DNS spoofing, and ARP spoofing.

• Decryption

The attacker, in turn, decrypts the data. Well, they can read the messages now. Some communication is done in an encrypted form as a measure of security. For the attacker to read this data, he or she requires decrypting it.

They can employ tools or techniques to overcome encryption. When encryption is cracked, the information becomes open to the perpetrator.

• PCI DSS 4.0 – the New Client-Side Security Frontier

PCI DSS 4.0 is a security standard. It aids in the prevention of other types of attacks, such as the Man-in-the-Middle (MitM). PCI DSS again stands for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. It prescribes how any payment card data shall be secured. Undefined undefined These are targeted at the client-side security. This assists in avoiding mitm attacks on payment frameworks.

Related Post : What is Cyber Kill Chain

Man in the Middle Attack Prevention

To prevent MitM attacks, follow these tips:

• Choose the option to encrypt DNS traffic to safeguard against DNS spoofing attacks. This helps make your browsing secure.
• Zero-trust means verifying everything. Trust no one by default, even inside your network.
• UEBA solutions focus on tracking users’ activities. As an example, it can identify shabby operations and ward off invasions.
• These measures assist in avoiding going through MitM attacks. They protect your messages and information. Design and implement secure overlapping systems; always remain alert and follow the standards.

Who is at Risk of Man-in-the-Middle Attacks?

As the information points out, no one can be safe from being a victim of identity theft. Companies, organizations, banks, hospitals, research centers, and other individuals are at his mercy. Hackers search for crucial information. This can include figures in a spreadsheet, website passwords, social security, and other identifiers. 

It is important to note that companies are becoming susceptible to data leaks. People can also be employed, although this risk particularly occurs when a person is connected to a popular Wi-Fi connection with the public.

Popular Man-in-the-Middle Attack Tools

Some of these include Wireshark, Ettercap, and Cain & Abel. These tools help monitor and analyze their interactions. Wireshark is a network protocol analyser. The main use of Ettercap is in network and host analysis.  The password recovery tool is called Cain & Abel. Use all these tools for secure and legitimate purposes.

How to Detect Man-in-the-Middle Attacks?

Detection is important. Look for unusual network activity. Keep an eye out for any kind of unexpected certificate changes. Use intrusion detection systems (IDS). Besides, monitor for unusual user behaviour. Regularly update your security software. Stay informed about new threats and vulnerabilities.

Man-in-the-Middle Attack Techniques

One of the popular MIM methods is phishing. Others use malware to intercept data. Attackers can also exploit weak encryption. Phishing involves sending fake emails or messages. Malware can be installed on devices to steal data. Weak encryption makes it easier for attackers to read data. Understanding these techniques helps in preventing attacks.

FAQs

• What is an example of a man-in-the-middle attack?

An example is Wi-Fi eavesdropping. Attackers use public Wi-Fi to intercept data. When you connect to unsecured Wi-Fi, your data can be stolen.

• What is a famous example of a man-in-the-middle attack?

A famous example is the NSA surveillance incident. It showed the scale of MitM attacks. The NSA intercepted vast amounts of communication data.

• What are the types of men in the middle attack?

Types include Wi-Fi eavesdropping, DNS spoofing, IP spoofing, and more. Each type uses different methods to intercept communication.

• What is the man-in-the-middle attack algorithm?

MitM attacks use a combination of various algorithms. The choice of a particular algorithm depends on the moto of the attack.

Related Post : What is Broken Access Control and How to Prevent It

Conclusion

By now, you know what is man in the middle attack. In conclusion, MitM attacks are serious threats. These attacks can lead to the loss of all your data. You need to keep all the security tips in mind and protect yourself from MIM attacks accordingly. Be very careful with all your data, and that’s the best way to prevent MItM attacks.

A CISSP certification course teaches advanced security techniques. It helps you protect against cyber threats.