How to Protect Yourself from Adversary-in-the-Middle Attacks

A guide to understanding and preventing a common cyber threat

What are adversary-in-the-middle attacks?

Adversary-in-the-middle (AitM) attacks are a type of cyberattack that involves an unauthorized third party intercepting and altering the communication between two legitimate parties. AitM attacks can target individuals, organizations, or the public, and they can have various motives, such as espionage, theft, sabotage, or impersonation. AitM attacks can take many forms, such as eavesdropping, tampering, spoofing, or redirecting.

Why are adversary-in-the-middle attacks dangerous?

AitM attacks are dangerous because they can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of the information exchanged between the parties. AitM attacks can also expose the parties to various risks, such as malware infection, data breach, identity theft, or fraud. AitM attacks can have significant consequences for individuals, businesses, and society, such as financial losses, legal disputes, security incidents, or even violence.

How to avoid adversary-in-the-middle attacks?

The best way to avoid AitM attacks is to use secure and encrypted communication channels and protocols. Here are some tips to help you spot and prevent AitM attacks:

• Check the security and the validity of the communication channel. Is it encrypted and protected by a strong password or a certificate? Does it show any signs of tampering or interference?
• Check the identity and the credibility of the communication partner. Is it the intended and expected partner? Does it have a verified and consistent identity? Does it provide any proof of its identity and authority?
• Check the content and the quality of the communication. Is it relevant and accurate? Does it match the previous and the current communication? Does it avoid any unusual or suspicious requests or instructions?
• Check the feedback and the confirmation of the communication. Is it timely and consistent? Does it acknowledge and verify the receipt and the outcome of the communication? Does it provide any evidence or documentation of the communication?

If you encounter any communication that seems suspicious or questionable, do not trust it or respond to it without verifying it first. Call Promethius Consulting at 317-733-2388 before taking any other action.