What is a Man-in-the-Middle Attack? A Comprehensive Guide

A man-in-the-middle attack is one of the most dangerous cybersecurity challenges on the Global Internet. Unlike other attacks, where someone tries to install a malicious program on your Internet-enabled device, in a person-in-the-middle attack, he places himself or a malicious tool between two data sources. For example, a website or an email account.
The main motto of such an attack is to steal sensitive financial data (such as bank account details, credit card numbers, or login credentials). Cybercriminals use it to commit financial crimes and steal digital money. Let’s learn more about it and discuss some prevention strategies. 

In simple words, a man-in-the-middle attack is a type of cyberattack. In this type of attack, attackers intercept a conversation or data transfer by eavesdropping or pretending to be a legitimate participant. Victims think that a standard exchange of information is taking place, but the attacker can intercept the undetected information by inserting themselves “in the middle” of the conversation or data transfer.
Always remember the Internet is largely built on trust. However, many Internet-enabled devices are not able to detect these threats while they function as expected. So, MITM attacks occur in real-time and usually go undetected until it is too late to do anything.

Unless you’re actively looking for signs that your online communications have been intercepted or compromised, it’s extremely difficult to spot a man-in-the-middle attack. However, there are several signs that you should look for to understand that attacks are being used against you. 

• Be alert if unexpected and periodic disconnections occur when you try to access the Internet. Fraudsters forcibly disconnect users. They intercept the username and password when disconnected people try to reconnect. 
• Don’t browse a website if it lacks an “HTTPS” certificate. If the site URL lacks ” S ” at the end and just reads ” HTTP,” it indicates that your connection is not secure. Also, look for an SSL lock icon on the left side of the website. It indicates a secure website.
• Be careful when you connect your device to public Wi-Fi networks. Remember, cybercriminals often spy on public Wi-Fi networks and use them to perform man-in-the-middle attacks.

You can take numerous steps to protect yourself from an online security breach. See some recommendations- 

• Update your IT infrastructure. Use the latest version of the operating system, browser, anti-virus, and firewall. They will alert you when suspicious activities take place. 
• Don’t allow your computer or mobile device to automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks, even if it’s yours. See the possibility of hidden cybersecurity issues in your IT system. Make sure that your devices are connected to trusted networks in all circumstances. Don’t forget to avail cybersecurity risk assessment services offered by Sky Recoup. Our Internet security experts will examine your entire IT ecosystem. They will notify you about possible vulnerabilities and offer viable solutions. 
• Give up your habit of using any random public Wi-Fi (not protected by a password) for personal and professional activities. They are the major source of person-in-the-middle attacks. Relinquish your affection for free Internet data. It will prove very costly if a cybercriminal steals your confidential information & commits financial crimes. 
• Use a recognized VPN when connecting to the Internet in a public place. It will encrypt your online activity and prevent data theft or financial crime. 
• Don’t forget to log out when you visit critical websites, such as an online banking portal. It will prevent an attacker from hijacking your session and stealing your money. 
• Don’t use the same password for different E-accounts. Use a password manager to manage different login-details and have an increased level of network security.
• Use multi-factor authentication for all E-your accounts. It prevents unauthorized entry into your IT ecosystem and minimizes the chances of scams. 
• Be careful when you receive Emails from unknown sites or sources. If you are unfamiliar with the mentioned website or any other URL, type its name manually in the browser and see if it is safe. Delete the Email instantly if it contains URLs of suspicious or notorious websites. 
• Segregate your personal and professional IT devices. It gives clarity while using them. You will be able to exercise precaution while browsing the Internet for different purposes. 
• Take your business to a cloud platform with better security features. Exercise access control strictly. Never allow anyone to use their email on your company’s computers. It is the primary cause of data breaches and theft of important digital resources. 

Remember, you might lose your digital identity or your entire wealth due to a person-in-the-middle attack. If you experience a scam, frustration, or disappointment is natural. But collect the evidence & contact us immediately at Sky Recoup. We act fast, respond to you immediately and investigate the financial scam. Our investigators use advanced tools and technologies to track the money trail and try to recover stolen digital assets as much as possible. 

As our digitally connected world continues to grow faster, so does the level of cybercrime and the misuse of security vulnerabilities. Take your time to increase your information about man-in-the middle attacks in cybersecurity. Exercise the best security practices to avoid cyberattacks from intruders. Feel free to contact Sky Recoup if you experience a financial scam. We investigate financial crimes and try to recover stolen digital assets as much as possible.