What is a Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack?

Think of MitM attacks as digital eavesdroppers lurking on your company network, ready to grab and compromise confidential business data in real time. Imagine this: An employee is accessing sensitive customer data through Wi-Fi, and a hacker is waiting “in the middle” to intercept that data, with aims of stealing or changing information, impersonating, tampering with financial transactions, or even launching further attacks. 

That’s the danger of a Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack which is often referred to as an “on-path” cyberattack because an attacker secretly inserts themselves into online conversations, reading, modifying, and stealing information without anyone noticing.  

How do MitM attacks happen?

MitM attacks exploit vulnerabilities in Wi-Fi networks, public hotspots used by employees, or even compromised websites frequented by your staff. Here are some common tactics MitM hackers use:

• ARP Spoofing: By exploiting the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) – which normally acts like a directory, helping devices on your network find and communicate with each other – hackers trick an employee’s device into sending data to them instead of the legitimate recipient. They do this by sharing fake directory entries, essentially telling devices that their MAC address (hardware address) is associated with the IP address of the intended recipient. Suddenly, all messages intended for the legitimate recipient end up in the hands of the hacker.
• DNS Spoofing: Attackers manipulate DNS servers to redirect employees to fake websites that look identical to the real ones, capturing their login credentials or other sensitive information.
• Evil twin: Attackers can create malicious Wi-Fi hotspots, that look legitimate because their names are similar to nearby businesses or trusted public connections, to intercept user data.

The Risks of MitM Attacks

Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks can have severe consequences for your business:

• Data Breaches: Attackers can capture sensitive information like customer data, financial records, intellectual property, and trade secrets.
• Financial Loss: In a MitM attack, hackers can use stolen data to make unauthorized transactions, access company bank accounts, or disrupt business operations.
• Malware Infection: MitM attackers can inject malware into company devices in order to gain access to more data. This can lead to more serious attacks like ransomware or using your devices as part of a botnet to launch DDoS attacks on other targets.
• Reputational Damage: A successful MitM attack can lead to loss of customer trust, damage to brand reputation, and difficulty attracting and retaining clients.

Are MitM Attacks Preventable?

Yes. Strong cybersecurity is your best defense against MitM attacks. Here are some proactive steps you can take to protect your business from MitM vulnerabilities: 

• Use Strong Wi-Fi Security: Always use strong, unique passwords for your company Wi-Fi network and educate employees about the risks of using unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspots.
• Enforce HTTPS: Ensure all company websites and applications use HTTPS, which encrypts communication.
• Use a VPN: Implement a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt all company internet traffic, especially for employees working remotely or accessing sensitive data on public Wi-Fi.
• Keep Software Updated: Regularly update all company operating systems, browsers, and software to patch security vulnerabilities.
• Educate Employees: Train employees on cybersecurity best practices, including recognizing phishing attempts and avoiding suspicious links or emails.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to all company accounts by enabling 2FA whenever possible.

How to Protect Against Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

MitM attacks are a constant threat in today’s digital landscape. ThreatDown’s Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services provide your business with constant vigilance. Our MDR experts act 24/7 to hunt, investigate and mitigate Man-in-the-Middle attacks — which might otherwise stay hidden. 

Contact ThreatDown today to learn more about how we can help safeguard your business from Man-in-the-Middle attacks and other cyber threats.