Defending Against Man-In-The-Middle (MITM) Attack

Defending Against Man-In-The-Middle (MITM) Attack

There are a lot of types of cyber security attacks out there and MITM is one of the most common. Known as a Man-In-The-Middle attack, there are different types to be aware of and each poses its own issues. So, what exactly is a MITM attack and how can you prevent them? Read on to find out.

What Is a MITM Attack?

A MITM attack is where a fraudster places themselves between a computer and server. From there, they can basically eavesdrop on what is being shared. Some attackers can also modify the information. One of the stand-out features of a MITM attack is that you don’t even know it’s happening. It’s also worth being aware that there are different types of MITM attacks you can fall victim to.

The Different Types of Attacks

A MITM attack can occur in different ways. The most common types include:

• Spoofing (IP, ARP, DNS, HTTPS, SSL Hijacking)

• Email hijacking

• Wi-Fi eavesdropping

Your IP address is a number that has been assigned to your device depending upon your location. Hackers can spoof an IP address, making it appear as though you are interacting with a website or person you are trying to communicate with. They can also do the same with HTTPS addresses. They make small tweaks to the address, such as using lower case letters where capitals should be, etc.

Email hijacking is also common, involving victims being sent spoof emails. These are often addressed from banks or other leading organizations. They tell you to provide personal information which they will then use to log in to your bank account.

Finally, Wi-Fi eavesdropping aims to steal information about a victim’s internet activity. With this type of attack, the fraudster actually creates their own internet hotspot. As soon as someone connects, they can then monitor which sites are used, as well as capture login information.

These are some of the most important types of MITM attacks you need to be aware of.

How Do They Work?

The majority of MITM attacks occur through public networks. This is because these are much easier to hack. The attacker needs to compromise the router. This is typically done by using tools to scan for vulnerabilities and flaws. They then need to intercept as well as decrypt the transmitted data. This part can be done using a wide variety of techniques such as packet injections, sniffing and session hijacking. It’s worth researching each of these techniques so you can have a better understanding of how they all work.

Now that we’ve covered what a MITM attack is and a basic idea of how they work, how can you defend yourself against these attacks? Here are some recommendations on how to prevent the MITM attack.

Don’t use Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks

Often Wi-Fi networks in public places aren’t secured with a password. This makes them a prime target for an attacker to intercept traffic using the MITM attack method.

Use a VPN

VPN or a Virtual Private Network encrypts your online activity and prevents hackers from breaching it. Always use a VPN while using the internet in a public place. This practice is a must if you’re a frequent traveler, as you’ll often connect with hotels, airports, and cafe Wi-Fi networks.

Log Out of Sensitive Websites

Always log out from websites and applications related to banking. Remember to log out from your email account when you’re done with your daily work too. This reduces the risk of hackers performing an MITM attack on your computer.

Maintain Good Password Habits

Never reuse the same password for other accounts. Also, it should be strong and unguessable (avoid using easily guessed passwords like your dog’s name, birthplace, or favorite movie).

Use Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA stands for multi-factor authentication, a method in which users must provide two or more authentication factors to access an account. MITM attacks are common, and they can be tricky to spot. The above are just some of the main things you should know about these attacks in order to defend yourself.