The Man-In-The-Middle Attack
This type of cyberattack occurs each time a hacker intercepts and manipulates communications between two parties. So, once positioned as Man in the Middle, usually between a client and a server, the perpetrator will:
- Intercept data in transit. The attacker becomes a transit point for all data exchanged and can potentially intercept sensitive information, for instance, private communications, files, etc.
- Alter data in transit. He can alter the messages exchanged and compromise the content of the communication, opening the door to numerous threats.
- Inject malicious code. The hacker can insert various types of malicious content, such as scripts or falsified web pages. This approach can be used in a variety of contexts like phishing attacks, XSS attacks, etc.
Most Common Techniques
Session hijacking occurs when an attacker hijacks a session between a client and a server. The hacker’s device will replace its IP address with the one of the trusted client. If the server continues the session, the attack is successfully executed.
Sniffing is used by hackers to gain visibility to confidential data packets by employing specific wireless devices that can be switched to data monitoring.
IP spoofing is utilized to disguise the attacker’s IP. The IP address is the identifier that allows data to be sent between devices on a network. It includes location information and makes devices accessible for communication.
Packet injections occur when hackers inject malicious packets into data communication streams. The packets can blend in with valid data communication streams making them appear as if they were part of a normal data exchange.
How to Detect a Man-in-the-Middle Attack
This type of cyberattack can easily go unnoticed if the proper precautions are not implemented. A weak encryption setup can allow the perpetrator to brute-force his way into your network and begin man-in-the-middle attacking.
Checking for proper page authentication and implementing a tamper detection solution are typically the key methods to detect a possible attack.
Actively searching to determine if your communications have been compromised is important.
Being aware of your browsing practices and recognizing potentially harmful areas is crucial to maintaining a secure network.
Prevention & Protection Measures
Encrypting communications is one of the most effective measures for protecting data exchanges against Man in the Middle attacks. The stronger the encryption, the safer.
The Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol which uses advanced encryption algorithms is now the standard for ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of any online communication.
TLS creates a secure channel between a client and a server, protecting exchanged information against manipulation. This encryption is based on the use of digital certificates and guarantees the authenticity of the data source.
TLS certificates must be issued by recognized certification authorities and renewed on a regular basis. Utilizing expired certificates is detrimental because it can expose your organization to cybersecurity risks.
Also, utilizing a virtual private network (VPN) to create a secure environment within a local network is advisable. It uses key-based encryption, so even if the hacker somehow gets access to the network, he will not be able to decrypt the traffic in the VPN. As an extra layer of protection, end users should utilize multi-factor authentication (MFA) to access the VPN as well.
Carry out regular network penetration tests to assess the risk of Man in the Middle and other similar cyberattacks.
Organizations also rely on deep packet inspection (DPI) solutions, which utilize granular analysis of all headers, so not just the IP address.
Consider enabling HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) to force browsers to use only secure connections with the server.
For a professional approach against this increasingly popular type of cyberattack, please reach out to StratusPointIT. Keeping your enterprise, your people, and your data safe is our commitment.
