The world we live in is surrounded by technology, and it’s a blessing. We can access the information we want within seconds, communicate with people across the globe and perform tasks we never thought we could. However, with the benefits of technology, there also come numerous drawbacks, and one of which is a man-in-the-middle attack. It is a type of cyber-attack that can have devastating consequences, yet few people understand how it works. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on the topic, so you can have a solid understanding and protect yourself against such cyber security attacks.
What is a man-in-the-middle attack?
A man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack is a type of cyber security attack that takes advantage of vulnerabilities in the communication network. In simpler terms, it's an attack where a hacker intercepts the communication between two parties. The communication can be between two individuals, a computer and a server, or two servers.
Once the attacker is in this position, they have access to all the data being exchanged between the two parties. This means that they can steal login credentials, sensitive data, and other information without the victim noticing, as the attacker can monitor the conversation. Hence, this type of attack is also known as an eavesdropping attack.
How does it work?
The first thing an attacker has to do is get into the network, and there are numerous ways to do this. One of the most common methods is to use a wireless network. Wireless networks are the perfect target for MITM attacks as they are usually unsecured, and finding wireless networks is easy as most devices are configured for automatic connection to wireless networks when in range.
Once the attacker gains access to the network, they can proceed with the attack. The attacker will then position themselves between the two parties and make it seem like they are communicating with each other. Then, when the parties try to communicate, they will not know that the hacker is present, making the attack difficult to detect.
There are three main techniques an attacker can use with a MITM attack:
1. Session hijacking: An actual session between two parties has already begun, and then an attacker jumps in to take over the session.
2. IP spoofing: The attacker creates a fake IP address to impersonate the other party, allowing them to intercept and access without the other party or the system administrator knowing.
3. DNS Spoofing: Domain Name System (DNS) allows servers to connect to the internet and translation of domain name to IP addresses. An attacker can create fake DNS entries or modify the real ones to redirect users to a fake server.
Real-Life Examples
There are numerous instances where MITM attacks have occurred. In 2011, a man named Mir Islam and his cyber-crew hacked into the email account of an American computer security expert, Higinio Ochoa, for the infamous group Anonymous. They gained access to Mr. Ochoa’s email account by posing as his internet service provider and convincing him to change his password via a fake website. As a result, Mr. Ochoa’s private messages, photos, and sensitive data were exposed to Mr. Islam and his accomplices.
Another example, in 2017, Kaspersky Lab discovered that a group of cybercriminals was using a new malware called ShadowPad to execute large-scale MITM attacks. The attack was aimed at businesses operating in the financial sector and was able to hijack the internet infrastructure that served them. According to Kaspersky Lab, the ShadowPad malware was installed on network servers, and this gave attackers remote access to the network.
How to Protect Yourself
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, which means that it's always better to protect yourself before the attack occurs. Here are a few measures that you can take to protect yourself from a MITM attack:
1. Use a virtual private network (VPN) - A VPN encrypts all your data, making it difficult for hackers to intercept it.
2. Use HTTPS, not HTTP - Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP), is not secure. Always use HTTPS versions of websites to ensure your connection is secure.
3. Utilize two-factor authentication - Two-factor authentication requests a user to verify their identity in two methods or steps, such as a password and a code sent via email or SMS.
4. Update and Patch systems - Keep your systems updated with the latest security patches and updates to make sure any vulnerabilities are addressed.
Wrap Up
MITM attacks are dangerous, and it is crucial to take all necessary steps to protect ourselves. As technology advances, so do the methods of cyber-attacks. It is essential to stay informed and be vigilant to protect ourselves from any breaches. Use the tips in this article to ensure your security is given a stronger solid foundation when online. Remember, the only person responsible for your safety when navigating the internet is yourself.
