A Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attack is a type of cyber threat that can expose sensitive information shared between two parties. It is one of the more deceptive attacking methods that hackers use to access private data without direct permission. This guide covers the basics of MITM attacks, including what they are and how they occur. Plus, we’ll discuss ways to safeguard against this kind of attack and keep your online communications secure.
What is Man-in-the-Middle Attack?
A man-in-the-middle attack is a general term used to refer to attacks where a perpetrator positions himself in a conversation between a user and an application—either to eavesdrop or to impersonate one of the parties, making it appear as if it’s a normal exchange of information. MITM attack’s main goal is to steal personal information, such as login credentials, account details, and credit card numbers.
A great example of a man-in-the-middle attack is the 2021 scam that occurred with a Mumbai-based company exporting medical consumables. In the incident, the company was expecting a payment of ₹ 44 lakhs, but a cyber scammer intercepted the communication and diverted the funds to their bank account. Fortunately, the company managed to recover the diverted amount within 72 hours. This scam highlights the importance of securing communications and being vigilant against such attacks.
Here are some other ways MITM attacks happen:
- Eavesdropping on Wi-Fi networks: Attackers set up a fake Wi-Fi network that looks legitimate. When users connect to it, the attacker can intercept all data being transmitted.
- Email hijacking: Attackers gain access to email accounts and monitor communications, sometimes altering messages to trick users into providing sensitive information or transferring money.
- Session hijacking: Attackers steal session cookies from a user’s browser to gain unauthorized access to their online accounts.
How Do MITM Attacks Work?
As mentioned before, in a man-in-the-middle attack, the cybercriminal places themselves between two parties communicating online, allowing them to intercept, read, and manipulate data without the knowledge of the users involved.
The attack typically unfolds in two key phases:
- Data interception, where the attacker inserts malicious software into the communication process.
- Decryption, where the attacker decrypts the intercepted data, gaining access to valuable personal details such as login credentials, credit card numbers, or other confidential information. With this data, the attacker can commit identity theft, fraud, or further disrupt the user’s business or personal activities.
Types of Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
Cybercriminals use various techniques to conduct MITM attacks and gain access to sensitive information. Some of the most common types of man-in-the-middle attacks include:
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Internet Protocol (IP) Spoofing
In IP spoofing, attackers manipulate the source IP address of a website, email, or device to disguise themselves as a trusted source. This deceives users into sharing sensitive information, which is then intercepted and transferred to the attackers.
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Domain Name System (DNS) Spoofing
In DNS spoofing, attackers alter domain names to redirect users to fraudulent websites. These fake sites mimic legitimate ones, tricking users into entering login credentials and personal data, which are then captured by the attacker.
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HTTP Spoofing
During an HTTP spoofing attack, a user’s browser is redirected from a secure HTTPS website to an insecure HTTP site. This redirection allows attackers to monitor user interactions and steal personal information, as HTTPS provides a secure connection that protects data from interception.
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Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Hijacking
SSL hijacking targets the secure connection between a user’s browser and the web server. The attacker intercepts this encrypted communication, using another computer and server to capture sensitive data sent during a secure session.
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Email Hijacking
Cybercriminals gain control of email accounts, such as those of banks or financial institutions, to monitor transactions. They may even spoof the bank’s email address to send fraudulent instructions to users, tricking them into transferring money to the attacker’s account.
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Wi-Fi Eavesdropping
This attack occurs on public Wi-Fi networks, where attackers set up malicious hotspots that mimic legitimate networks. Users unknowingly connect to these fake networks, giving attackers the chance to intercept and steal personal data.
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Session Hijacking
Session hijacking, or stealing browser cookies, occurs when attackers capture personal data stored in a user’s session cookies. This allows them to access saved login credentials and resources, such as banking details or personal accounts, without the user’s knowledge.
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Cache Poisoning (ARP Cache Poisoning)
In cache poisoning, attackers exploit a vulnerability in the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) to intercept traffic between two devices on the same network. This allows attackers to eavesdrop on communications, collect data, and potentially manipulate traffic.
ALSO READ : Common Types of Cyberattacks and How to Prevent them
How to Detect a Man-in-the-Middle Attack?
Detecting a MITM attack can be tricky because it often involves subtle activities that overlap with other common cyber threats like phishing or spoofing. However, there are certain signs you can watch to identify a potential MITM attack. Here are some signs to identify an MITM attack:
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Unusual Disconnections
One of the first signs of an MITM attack is repeated disconnections from a service. If users are unexpectedly logged out and have to log in multiple times into a service, it could indicate that an attacker is intercepting their login credentials. This action of re-entering into service upon discontinuation allows cybercriminals to capture usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information. If you find yourself constantly being signed out or unable to maintain a stable connection, this might be a red flag.
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Strange URLs
During a man-in-the-middle attack, attackers often spoof legitimate websites to capture login details. If you notice strange URLs in the address bar that don’t match the expected domain, especially during sensitive activities like logging into a bank or making online transactions, it may be a sign of an MITM attack. Cybercriminals use DNS hijacking to redirect users to fraudulent sites while they intercept the data exchanged. Therefore, always double-check the URL, particularly when performing any financial transactions.
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Unsecured Wi-Fi
Using public Wi-Fi networks, especially in unfamiliar places, can expose users to the risk of MITM attacks. Hackers often set up malicious hotspots with seemingly innocent names (e.g., “Free Wi-Fi” or “Local Wireless Network”) to trick users into connecting. Once connected, attackers can intercept and monitor user activity, including emails, chats, and even sensitive login credentials. Therefore, the next time you see free Wi-Fi with weird names, avoid using it.
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Suspicious Certificates or Warnings
Web browsers typically display a warning if a website’s SSL certificate is not trusted or has expired. These warnings are vital to heed, as attackers may attempt to bypass security protocols, allowing them to intercept data. Always be cautious when these warnings appear, especially when visiting sites where security is paramount (e.g., banking or e-commerce sites).
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Unexpected SSL/TLS Errors
Secure sites use SSL/TLS encryption to protect data in transit. If a website that should be secure throws unexpected errors related to SSL or TLS (e.g., a browser warning that the connection is insecure), it could indicate that an attacker is interfering with the connection. This error may happen when the attacker has hijacked the secure connection to eavesdrop on the data exchange.
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Slow or Unexpected Performance Issues
MITM attacks often involve data being rerouted through an attacker’s server before reaching the intended destination. This can cause noticeable slowdowns in the performance of websites or applications. If you notice sudden, significant lags or performance drops, it could be due to interception or interference in the network traffic.
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Inconsistent or Changed Content
During an MITM attack, attackers can alter the data being transmitted between the user and the website. If you see unexpected changes in the content (like altered messages, false data, or redirected instructions), especially during financial transactions, it might indicate that an attacker is manipulating the data stream.
What to Do if You Suspect an MITM Attack:
This should be your first set of responses when you detect an MITM attack:
- Disconnect from the network immediately
- Clear your browser’s cache and check the SSL certificate of any site you visit
- Report to your organization’s IT team or service providers to investigate the attack and secure the network
ALSO READ : Common Types of Cyberattacks and How to Prevent them
How to Prevent Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
Mitigation is the best defense against man-in-the-middle attacks. Here are several strategies to prevent these types of cyber threats:
- Use Strong and Unique Passwords: Ensure your passwords are complex and unique for each account. This reduces the risk of attackers gaining access through weak or reused passwords.
- Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security with a second form of verification (like a code sent to your phone) can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
- Use Password less Authentication: You can use methods such as biometrics (fingerprint or facial recognition) or hardware tokens to enhance security by eliminating the need for traditional passwords.
- Encrypt Your Data: Use encryption protocols like TLS/SSL to secure communications.
- Be Cautious of Public Wi-Fi Networks: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. You can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection.
- Verify SSL Certificates: Always check for HTTPS in the URL and verify the SSL certificate of websites before entering sensitive information.
- Be Mindful of Phishing Attempts: Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages asking for personal information. Always verify the source before clicking on links or downloading attachments.
By following these man-in-the-middle attack prevention practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to MITM attacks.
Conclusion
Man-in-the-middle attacks are a serious cybersecurity threat, but with the right precautions, you can significantly reduce their risk. However, to truly safeguard against MITM threats, robust security tools are essential.
BigRock offers a suite of security products that protects your websites and data from MITM attacks. From SSL certificates that encrypt sensitive data during communication to VPN services that secure internet connections, our security solutions provide comprehensive protection.
By leveraging our security products, you can ensure that your sensitive data remains secure against the dangers of MITM attacks.
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