What is a man-in-the-middle attack?

A man-in-the-middle attack is primarily classified as a form of data interception and alteration. In this type of cyber attack, the attacker secretly intercepts and possibly alters the communication between two parties who believe they are directly communicating with each other. The attacker can capture sensitive information—such as login credentials, financial data, or private messages—and may also manipulate the data being exchanged without the knowledge of either party.

This method relies on exploiting vulnerabilities in communications, such as unsecured Wi-Fi networks or phishing techniques, allowing the attacker to position themselves between the sender and the receiver, effectively eavesdropping or modifying the messages being sent. Understanding this attack is crucial for implementing effective cybersecurity measures and ensuring that communications remain secure and unaltered during transmission.