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

A Man-in-the-Middle Attack (MITM) is defined as a hacking technique that intercepts network traffic. In this type of attack, an unauthorized entity positions itself between two communicating parties, either to eavesdrop or to manipulate the exchanges between them. As a result, the attacker can capture sensitive information, such as login credentials or credit card numbers, without either party realizing that their communication is being compromised.

Understanding this concept is crucial in the context of cybersecurity, as it highlights the vulnerabilities that can arise during data transmission and emphasizes the importance of using secure communication protocols, such as HTTPS or VPNs, to protect against such attacks. Recognizing what constitutes a MITM attack enables individuals and organizations to implement necessary safeguards to secure their data and communications.