In a world that’s increasingly digital, there’s a growing need for us all to understand the threats we face online. Cybersecurity is not just an issue for IT professionals; it’s something we should all take seriously. One of the more insidious tactics employed by cybercriminals is known as a man-in-the-middle (MitM) phishing attack. Unlike traditional phishing attacks that directly deceive victims into providing sensitive data, MitM attacks are stealthier and more complex.

What Are Man-In-The-Middle Phishing Attacks?

Imagine a situation where you’re having a conversation with a friend through a walkie-talkie. Suddenly, an eavesdropper intrudes on your frequency, imitating your friend’s voice to mislead you into giving up confidential information. That is the simple analogy of how a MitM phishing attack works.

In the digital world, a MitM phishing attack is a form of eavesdropping where the attacker secretly intercepts and possibly alters the communication between two parties, who believe they’re directly communicating with each other. This cybercriminal sits ‘in the middle’ between the two parties—thus, the name. The attacker can monitor the conversation, steal information, or manipulate the information being exchanged.

How Do They Work?

An example would be a cybercriminal who infiltrates a public Wi-Fi network, such as at a hotel restaurant. When a customer connects to the Wi-Fi network and logs into a banking site or makes a purchase, the attacker could potentially intercept this data. The customer and the website believe they’re communicating directly with each other, but in reality, the cybercriminal is quietly intercepting their information.

Differences From Traditional Phishing Attacks

Traditional phishing usually involves a scammer sending out mass emails pretending to be from a reputable company. They entice recipients to click on a malicious link or attachment, which often leads to a fake website designed to steal the victim’s personal information.

In contrast, MitM phishing attacks are not as straightforward. They involve a cybercriminal actively intercepting communications in real-time. It’s like the difference between a pickpocket who distracts you with a ruse, and a thief who steals your credit card details while you’re actually making a purchase.

Risks Associated With Man-In-The-Middle Phishing Attacks

MitM attacks are very dangerous.

The most significant risk is the loss of personal and sensitive data. This could be anything from your login credentials and credit card information to your Social Security number or other personal identification data.

Once an attacker has this information, they can use it to commit identity theft, fraudulent purchases, or even sell it on the dark web.

Additionally, these types of attacks can be hard to detect because they often occur on networks that we trust, making it even more crucial to be aware of this threat.

Solutions

So, how can we protect ourselves from MitM phishing attacks?

*Secure Your Connections. Always make sure the websites you’re visiting are secured, especially when entering sensitive data. Look for “https://” at the beginning of the web address, as the ‘s’ stands for ‘secure’. This means the site uses encryption to protect your information. Be extra cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks and consider using a virtual private network (VPN), offers an extra layer of security.

*Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Implementing MFA on your accounts can add an extra layer of security, even if your login credentials are compromised. MFA requires you to provide at least two proofs of identity before you can access your accounts, making it harder for cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access.

Cyber threats like man-in-the-middle phishing attacks are a reality of our increasingly digital lives. However, understanding these threats and taking simple precautions can go a long way in keeping your personal information safe. Stay informed, stay secure.

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be. VENZA and CyberTek are here to help. Cybersecurity is complex, but in partnership with us, your company can get started in as little as one month. Get a live demonstration today by contacting our Customer Success Team.

Ready to elevate your game? Contact Sales to discuss signing up for our programs or adding new solutions to your contract.

***

Take VENZA’s free Phishing Test to assess gaps in your human firewall today!

Training your personnel to recognize and report phishing attempts is essential to protecting your guests and their data. Get started by determining your risk and readiness level using this free tool.

***

Want to stay informed? Subscribe to the free VENZA Echo now. You’ll receive a monthly digest with the highlights of our weekly article series and important product updates and news from VENZA.