Man-in-the-Middle Attacks Explained (And How to Stay Safe)

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Originally published at TerminalTools — https://terminaltools.blogspot.com/2024/08/man-in-middle-mitm-attacks.html

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

A Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attack happens when a cybercriminal secretly positions themselves between you and the service or person you’re trying to communicate with. Instead of data going directly from point A to point B, the attacker intercepts it—sometimes just to spy, other times to change or steal it. This can happen on unsecured Wi-Fi, through fake websites, or even by tampering with DNS responses.

How MITM attacks work

The idea is simple: intercept and manipulate communication. Here are some common methods attackers use:

  • Wi-Fi eavesdropping: Attackers create or compromise networks to capture data flowing through them.
  • DNS spoofing: They trick your device into visiting a fake site by altering DNS responses.
  • Session hijacking: Once you log in, attackers steal your session cookie to act as you without needing your password.
  • SSL stripping: They downgrade secure HTTPS connections to plain HTTP, making it easier to read and alter data.

Real-life risks of MITM attacks

MITM attacks are not just technical jargon. They can cause serious problems in everyday life:

  • Stolen login credentials for email, social media, and banking apps.
  • Hijacked online shopping sessions leading to fraudulent purchases.
  • Intercepted financial transactions where account numbers are altered.
  • Loss of sensitive business data when remote employees use unsafe connections.

How to stay safe from MITM attacks

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to defend yourself. These simple steps go a long way:

1. Always use secure connections

Check for HTTPS before entering any sensitive details. Modern browsers flag insecure sites—don’t ignore these warnings.

2. Be cautious with public Wi-Fi

If you must connect, avoid accessing banking or email accounts. For safer browsing, use a trusted VPN to encrypt your traffic.

3. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an extra step to logins, such as a code from your phone or a hardware key. Even if attackers steal your password, MFA often blocks them from entering.

4. Keep devices and apps updated

Updates patch known vulnerabilities that attackers exploit. Enable automatic updates on your phone, computer, and router.

5. Secure your DNS settings

Enable DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or use DNS providers that support DNSSEC. This makes it harder for attackers to redirect you to fake sites.

6. Pay attention to browser and system alerts

If you see a certificate warning or unexpected login alert, take it seriously. These are often signs that someone is trying to interfere with your connection.

Quick recap checklist

  • Look for HTTPS and the padlock symbol before entering data.
  • Avoid sensitive logins on public Wi-Fi unless using a VPN.
  • Turn on MFA for all major accounts.
  • Keep operating systems, browsers, and apps updated.
  • Use secure DNS services and settings.
  • Don’t ignore security warnings from your browser or device.

Final thoughts

Man-in-the-Middle attacks rely on users not noticing when something looks off. By learning how they work and following a few protective steps, you can greatly reduce the risk. Staying alert, practicing good habits, and using modern security tools will keep your online activities much safer.

Originally published at TerminalTools — https://terminaltools.blogspot.com/2024/08/man-in-middle-mitm-attacks.html

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