What is a Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attack?
An MITM attack occurs when malicious actors insert themselves between a communication channel’s entities to steal data, frequently exploiting weaknesses in encryption, authentication mechanisms, or network configurations. None of the parties sending messages, emails, or video chatting know that a threat actor has inserted their presence into the conversations and is stealing data. While most attacks are silent and performed without the victims’ awareness, some MITM cyberattacks are the opposite.
Types of MITM Attacks
Here’s an overview of the different types of MITM Attacks.
DNS (Domain Name System) Spoofing
DNS spoofing takes place when fraudsters use compromised DNS records to divert genuine online traffic to a spoofed or fake website that resembles a site the user most probably knows and trusts. Attackers poison DNS responses or cache to carry out this type of MITM attack.
Wi-Fi Eavesdropping
In this type, fraudsters make victims connect to a wireless network nearby that has a legitimate-sounding name, such as “Free Public Wi-Fi Network.” Once they are connected, the threat actor monitors their online activity or scrapes their credit card information, login credentials, and other sensitive data.
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Hijacking
SSL/TLS hijacking (otherwise called SSL stripping) takes place when an attacker intercepts or downgrades encrypted HTTPS connections, providing an illegitimate certificate or forcing the user to communicate over an unencrypted HTTP connection.
Session Hijacking
In session hijacking, the malicious actor waits for a user to log in to an app, such as an email or banking app, and then steals the session cookie. They then use the cookie to sign in to the user’s account, but instead from their browser. A major risk of session hijacking is that once a user is already logged in, an attacker can take over their session and access the account without needing to go through 2FA.
ARP Cache Poisoning
ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) cache poisoning is a method in which the fraudster tricks the user’s computer into believing that the attacker’s computer is the network gateway. Then, the victim’s computer sends its complete network traffic to the fraudster instead of through the real network gateway, paving the way for the fraudster to use this diverted traffic to analyze and steal the information stored in the browser.
Stealing Browser Cookies
Stealing browser cookies (not always MITM) has to be combined with one of the other MITM techniques, such as session hijacking or Wi-Fi eavesdropping. Attackers gain access to a victim device using one of the other MITM methods to steal browser cookies through which they can access credit card numbers, passwords, and other sensitive information present in the browsers.
Man in the Middle Attack Prevention: How to Avoid MITM Attacks
The following cybersecurity practices help you defend against MITM attacks:
1. Update and Safeguard Wi-Fi Home Routers
This method is possibly the most vital, since WFH (work-from-home) policies, for example, usually require employees to utilize a home Wi-Fi router to gain connection to the web to gain access to the organization’s network. W-Fi router software, which is also called firmware, must be updated manually. Firmware updates aren’t automatic, so the process should be performed manually. Also, ensure the router’s security settings are enabled to the most robust one, which is WPA3 at present.
2. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to Connect to the Internet
By using a VPN, you can reduce MITM attacks, since a VPN creates an encrypted, secure “tunnel” that protects your data from sinister eyes prying on the local network. Even if a hacker intercepts your traffic on a tampered public Wi-Fi, they will see only scrambled ciphertext instead of your passwords or personal data. Especially helpful while using internet banking.
3. Use SSL Pinning in Android and iOS
You can prevent Android MITM and MITM iOS attacks by using the SSL pinning technique. This method avoids attackers eavesdropping on your information by forcing the application to recognize only one particular ‘digital ID’ for its server.
4. Deploy MFA (multifactor authentication) if Available
Companies should encourage using MFA to access online services and devices so that you don’t have to depend only on passwords. This process has rapidly become companies’ best security against threats.
5. Encrypt DNS Traffic
Mechanisms like DNS over TLS (DoT) and DNS over HTTPS (DoH) encrypt DNS queries between the DNS resolver and the user’s device. They use TLS certificates to authenticate the resolver and defend against on-path tampering and eavesdropping, thus lessening the risk of DNS manipulation or interception by hackers.
6. Other Steps
- For enhanced security, use only communication software that provides encryption by default. Some apps turn encryption on, automatically, in the apps’ background.
- Since passwords will not become obsolete anytime soon, you should make use of the password manager and strong passwords.
- Install all patches and also utilize antivirus software.
Be Vigilant and Prepared
For a wide range of businesses, MITM attacks impact operational efficiency and data security greatly. Ensuring your enterprise is vigilant and prepared to tackle MITM threats is vital to seamless daily operations.