CyberAware

What is Man In The Middle(MITM) & How it is done?

A man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack is a type of cyber attack where the attacker intercepts communication between two parties and can monitor, alter, or inject data into the communication. The attacker effectively acts as a "middleman" between the two parties, hence the name.
In a MITM attack, the attacker intercepts the communication between the two parties and can eavesdrop on the conversation, steal sensitive information, or alter the content of the communication to trick one of the parties into taking a specific action. The attacker can carry out the attack by exploiting vulnerabilities in the communication protocols or by using tools such as ARP spoofing to redirect traffic through the attacker's computer.
To prevent MITM attacks, it is important to use encryption for sensitive communications and to verify the authenticity of the parties involved in the communication. For example, using secure protocols such as HTTPS and SSL, and verifying the digital certificate of the website, can help protect against MITM attacks. In addition, using virtual private networks (VPNs) can help secure the communication by encrypting it end-to-end, making it more difficult for an attacker to intercept the communication.

Process :

The process of a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack typically involves the following steps:

1.Preparation: The attacker prepares for the attack by researching the target and identifying weaknesses in the communication system or protocols. The attacker may also obtain or develop tools that can be used to carry out the attack.
2.Interception: The attacker intercepts the communication between the two parties by positioning themselves between the two parties and routing the communication through their own device. This can be done by exploiting vulnerabilities in the communication protocols or by using ARP spoofing or DNS spoofing to redirect the communication.
3.Monitoring: The attacker monitors the communication between the two parties, eavesdropping on the conversation and capturing sensitive information.
4.Alteration: In some cases, the attacker may alter the content of the communication, either to trick one of the parties into taking a specific action or to hide their activities. For example, the attacker may alter the contents of an email or web page to inject malicious code.
5.Attack execution: The attacker carries out their attack, using the information and control gained from the intercepted communication. For example, the attacker may steal sensitive information, install malware, or carry out unauthorized transactions.
6.Concealment: The attacker may hide their activities by concealing their tracks or disguising their actions. For example, the attacker may use encryption or other techniques to hide their activities from detection.
It is important to note that the process of a MITM attack may vary depending on the specific attack and the goals of the attacker. However, these are the general steps involved in a typical MITM attack.

Awareness on Man In The Middle(MITM) for Post-production

• Use Encryption
• Verify Authenticity
• Use VPNs
• Keeo software up-to-date
• Educating Employees
• Monitor network traffic
• Use anti-malware software