Man-in-the-middle attack (MITM)
A Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attack is a type of cyberattack where an attacker gains control of the communication channel between two parties, allowing them to intercept, modify, or eavesdrop on the data being exchanged. This can lead to the theft of sensitive information, such as login credentials, personal data, or financial details, which can be used for identity theft or unauthorized financial transactions. MITM attacks typically target unsecure networks, making public Wi-Fi connections particularly vulnerable.
Hackers may also employ phishing tactics in conjunction with MITM attacks, tricking users into entering their information on a fraudulent website disguised as a legitimate service. To protect against these attacks, users are advised to secure their home networks with strong passwords, avoid using public Wi-Fi without a virtual private network (VPN), and remain vigilant against suspicious emails. Overall, understanding MITM attacks is crucial in safeguarding personal information in an increasingly digital world.
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Man-in-the-middle attack (MITM)
Man-in-the-middle attacks are a form of cyberattack that involves gaining control of a network relay between two parties on a network, which allows hackers to intercept and modify the data or communications traveling between them. Man-in-the-middle attacks commonly steal log in information, allowing hackers to gain access to users’ confidential accounts. Hackers may also steal personal information for the purposes of identity theft or redirect financial transactions in order to steal money.
Experts recommend being especially careful when connecting to Wi-Fi to avoid man-in-the-middle attacks. Users should ensure that their home Wi-Fi networks are properly secured and avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi. Experts also recommend being wary of links sent through emails.
Background
Cyberattacks refer to any coordinated attempt to gain unauthorized access to a computer system or influence a computer system against its owners’ wishes. In most cases, cyberattacks are carried out to steal, alter, or destroy private data. Such attacks are almost always criminal and may be reported to law enforcement agencies. However, finding the culprit of a suspected cyberattack is often difficult.
The first recorded cyberattack was the 1988 Morris Worm. Unlike most cyberattacks, the Morris Worm was not developed to function as malicious software. The worm was programmed to travel throughout the Internet, installing itself on any computers it could find. Then it indicated to its programmer the number of times that it had installed itself. Robert Morris, the man who programmed the worm, had hoped that it would help him estimate the number of computers connected to the Internet. Instead, the worm installed itself repeatedly on many machines, slowing them down and eventually causing damage. Other cyberattacks soon followed. Some were targeted at specific individuals, carrying out a hacker’s vendetta. Others were widespread attempts to collect as much information as possible, which could be sold to criminals at a later date.
Several types of cyberattacks are commonly encountered by Internet users. Malware, short for malicious software, refers to software designed to cause damage to a computer, network, or server. Worms, like the Morris Worm, are just one type of malware. Other common types of malware include Trojan horses, which appear to be a legitimate computer program, and viruses, which are types of illicit software that can spread without direct input from the controller.
Phishing is a type of cyberattack that involves sending deceptive messages to an unwary computer user. Most phishing attacks take place through email, but some are also launched through messaging services. During a phishing attack, the hacker pretends to act as a legitimate agent or tries to get the victim to click a link to a fake website. Then the hacker attempts to trick the victim into providing personal information, such as usernames, passwords, and Social Security numbers.
Overview
Man-in-the-middle attacks are cyberattacks that are usually aimed at stealing information. During this type of cyberattack, the hacker gains control of the flow of information between two relay points, or two people, in a network. The hacker can then intercept and modify communications traveling through that relay point.
In many cases, man-in-the-middle attacks allow hackers to eavesdrop on conversations, gaining access to privileged information, such as confidential business communications. However, these attacks also allow hackers to impersonate one member of a conversation or manipulate and modify a conversation. Man-in-the-middle attacks can be extremely disruptive and allow hackers to steal bank information or redirect monetary transactions to other accounts.
In some instances, man-in-the-middle attacks are able to secure a relay between login inputs and authentication. This not only allows hackers to control who can log into the network, but also provides hackers with a record of usernames and passwords entered into the network. This severely compromises the security of the network, often providing hackers with the ability to impersonate numerous accounts.
One common target for man-in-the-middle attacks are financial institutions. Banks and other financial institutions often contain a significant amount of users’ personal data, which can either be sold or utilized in identity theft. However, securing the login information from a financial institution may allow hackers to directly steal money from customers and the institution itself.
Man-in-the-middle attacks are sometimes combined with phishing attacks. In these instances, hackers send fake emails impersonating a legitimate authority or business, requesting that the user log in. However, the webpage sent by hackers has been modified, allowing them to intercept the victim’s username and password. In other instances, hackers gain access to a poorly secured Wi-Fi router and use specialized software tools to analyze a network, searching for a vulnerable router. Once an unprotected router has been found, hackers begin intercepting all data that passes through the compromised network.
Computer security experts recommend several measures for avoiding man-in-the-middle attacks. All home networks should be updated with strong usernames and passwords. They should never be left unsecure or with the default passwords used by the router. Hackers sometimes have access to the default password used by a particular model of router. Safe computer users should avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks as often as possible. These networks are rarely as secure as home networks and are sometimes compromised. If connecting to public Wi-Fi is a necessity, users should utilize a virtual private network (VPN) to better protect their devices. Finally, users should be critical of any suspicious emails they receive. They should be extra wary of following any direct links found in emails.
Bibliography
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