How do cyber security systems protect against man-in-the-middle attacks?

Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks occur when a malicious actor intercepts and potentially alters communication between two parties without their knowledge. This compromise of secure communications can lead to sensitive information being stolen, modified, or diverted to the attacker.

There are various ways in which MITM attacks can be carried out, such as through network hijacking, session hijacking, or by exploiting vulnerabilities in encryption protocols. To defend against these attacks, several strategies can be implemented:

1. Encryption: Using strong encryption protocols, like HTTPS for web communications, can help prevent interception and manipulation of data in transit.

2. Public Key Infrastructure (PKI): Implementing PKI can help establish trust between parties by using digital certificates to verify identities and create secure connections.

3. Digital Signatures: By using digital signatures, messages can be verified as authentic and unaltered during transmission.

4. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of authentication can reduce the risk of unauthorized access even if credentials are intercepted.

5. Security Awareness: Educating users about the risks of MITM attacks and the importance of verifying the authenticity of communication channels can help prevent successful attacks.

6. Monitoring and Detection: Utilizing intrusion detection systems and monitoring network traffic for suspicious behavior can help identify and mitigate MITM attacks in real-time.

Implementing a combination of these defenses can significantly reduce the risk of MITM attacks compromising secure communications.