MAN IN THE MIDDLE
When cyber intruders eavesdrop on your digital conversations and disrupt the trust you thought you had online.
Intro
Imagine you're having a private conversation with your friend on the phone. You trust that your call is secure and no one else can listen in. However, a malicious person secretly joins your conversation without either of you knowing. They start altering your messages, making you think your friend said something they didn't. That's a classic example of a ManintheMiddle attack in the digital world, where someone intercepts your communication without your knowledge or consent.
What is Man in the Middle?
A ManintheMiddle (MitM) attack is a digital eavesdropper secretly intercepting and potentially altering communication between two parties who believe they are talking directly, compromising online security and privacy.
Examples of Man in the Middle Attacks:
WiFi Eavesdropping:
WiFi eavesdropping involves an attacker intercepting data transmitted over an unsecured or improperly secured WiFi network.
Imagine you're using a public WiFi hotspot at a coffee shop to check your bank account. An attacker nearby eavesdrops on your connection and captures sensitive information like your login credentials.
DNS Spoofing
DNS spoofing occurs when an attacker manipulates the Domain Name System (DNS) to redirect your web traffic to malicious websites.
You type in your bank's website address, but the attacker alters the DNS response, sending you to a fake banking site that looks identical. You unknowingly enter your login details, which the attacker captures.
Man in the Browser
This attack involves malware or a trojan installed on your computer that intercepts and manipulates your web browsing activities.
You're shopping online, and unbeknownst to you, malware on your computer alters the payment details during checkout, redirecting funds to the attacker's account instead of the intended recipient.
Why Man in the Middle Attacks Exist and How to Defend?
These attacks exist because they can compromise both confidentiality and data integrity. To defend against them:
Use secure and encrypted connections (look for "https://" in your web browser).
Avoid public WiFi for sensitive tasks, and use a VPN when possible.
Keep your devices and software updated.
Use reputable antivirus and antimalware software.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments.
Conclusion
ManInTheMiddle attacks are sneaky digital intrusions that can undermine your online security and privacy. By staying vigilant and following security best practices, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to these invisible eavesdroppers. Stay safe online!
