As our digital world continues to grow and evolve, cyber criminals’ attack methods have become more sophisticated. The man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack is a particularly dangerous type of attack [view source].
The attacker intercepts communication between two parties in an MITM attack, allowing them to eavesdrop, manipulate, or impersonate the communication. In this blog post, we will discuss the various types of MITM attacks used by cyber criminals and how to protect yourself from them.
First and foremost, let’s discuss the various types of MITM attacks. MITM attacks are classified into three types: passive, active, and SSL stripping.
Passive MITM attacks are the most basic type of MITM attacks used by cybercriminals today. In this type of attack, the attacker simply listens in on two parties’ conversations. This form of attack is tricky to detect because the attacker does not change or manipulate the transmission in any way; they merely listen in.
In contrast, active MITM attacks are more aggressive. The attacker actively modifies the communication between two parties in this type of attack. The attacker has the ability to change the message’s content, add new content, or even delete content. Because it involves injecting new traffic into the conversation, this type of attack is easier to detect.
SSL stripping is the third type of MITM attack. Hackers typically target websites using Secure Sockets Layers (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS). The attacker intercepts the user’s communication with the website and then removes the encryption. Victims’ personal data such as passwords and credit card details become vulnerable.
The risk of MITM attacks is high for individuals and businesses, and identifying them is difficult. By following good IT and security practices and being alert to suspicious activity, MITM attacks can be prevented. [view source].
A VPN is the best way to prevent MITM attacks. It encrypts your internet connection for added security, stopping cybercriminals from tracking or stealing your information [view source].
VPNs reroute traffic and encrypt it to protect connections. User IPs are disguised for anonymity and protection, and encryption blocks hackers from accessing information. Robust VPN encryption and tunneling technologies are essential for privacy, preventing tracking, and data protection.
Using two different authentication methods, two-factor authentication (2FA) can defend against man-in-the-middle attacks. With 2FA, a password and phone number are required to access online accounts, making it harder for fraudsters to gain entry. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)[view source] and Cisco [view source], 2FA can prevent MITM attacks by requiring knowledge of both login credentials and a second factor that is only valid for a limited time and can only be accessed by the user’s own device. This makes it challenging to bypass 2FA. Some sites require two-factor authentication (2FA) for account security, according to Secfense Inc. [view source]. Pairing 2FA with VPNs that have strong encryption and tunneling tech can reduce risk of man-in-the-middle attacks.
In addition, one should avoid using any website that is not secure. Keep an eye out for websites that employ cryptographic protocols like SSL or TLS, as these methods safeguard critical information from being accessed by attackers. Your browser will typically alert you if a website is safe and secure to use by displaying a lock icon in the address bar of the browser [view source].
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is the standard for websites today. HTTP encrypts all communication between a website and a user and is one of the most effective strategies to use in order prevent MITM attacks. Web applications can be secured by using a SSL/TLS cryptographic key preloaded with HSTS (HTTP Strict Transport Security) [view source].
A MITM attack is used by criminals to redirect you to a web page or site that they control. They will then trick you into providing the information they want because the fake website misleads you to believe you’ve reached your destination.
They also use bogus websites to promote free software downloads, but you’re actually downloading malware that allows them to access your computer files.
To protect yourself, look for “https” at the beginning of every URL you visit. If you go to a well-known site, such as your bank, and you don’t see the “https” protocol, you may be under attack by a cybercriminal.
Another sign of a fake website is the use of a URL that differs slightly from the legitimate one. For example, you may be attempting to access google.com but encountering a slight variation such as go0gle.com. That indicates that your connection was intercepted and your traffic was rerouted to the criminal’s bogus website [view source].
When you visit a website, a popup with an urgent message appears. It may claim that your device is infected with a virus or that your computer requires a critical update. This dire warning demands that you immediately click a link to download a fix.
If you click the link, you will be downloading malware, just like in the fake website scenario. Unlike a bogus website, the one you’re visiting could be genuine. It’s the popup that the criminal used in their MITM attack.
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Websites are required to have a certificate from a trusted authority to validate the owner’s identity. Browsers look for this certificate and will notify you if it is missing, invalid, or expired.
If your browser displays a certificate warning, it could indicate warning signals that a website is fake and possibly created by cybercriminals seeking to steal your identity or other information. In some cases, the organization or business who own the website may have merely neglected to update their SSL Certificates or renew their HTTPS domain in time. Avoid websites without valid certificates to stay safe.
Finally, keep an eye out for any questionable activity. If you see anything unusual like pop-ups or strange website activity, exit the browser and disconnect from the Internet right away. Watch your bank and credit card statements closely to detect any abnormal activity. It is also important to train staff on safe IT behavior and to limit access to sensitive information.
MITM attacks are a serious threat to our digital security. Cybercriminals intercept and steal our communication and can mimic us online. Understanding the various types of MITM attacks and taking preventative measures can help us keep our digital lives secure.
Aumakua Technical Solutions, LLC. (ATS) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVOSB), Minority-Owned, and Native Hawai’ian Owned Small Business based in Maryland.
Aumakua Technical Solutions, LLC. was formed by a team of Veterans who have combined their knowledge and expertise in various skill-based and intelligence-based arenas to provide the best training and certification opportunities for cyber solutions, mobile technology, SIGINT, Operations, government and business.
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