What is the main characteristic of a Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attack?

The main characteristic of a Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attack is the active interception of communications between two parties. In this type of attack, the attacker positions themselves between the sender and the receiver, often without either party being aware of the intrusion. This allows the attacker to eavesdrop on the communication, capture sensitive information, or even alter the data being sent.

A key aspect of MITM attacks is that they require the attacker to actively manipulate the communication flow. This can involve intercepting messages, injecting malicious content, or redirecting users to counterfeit websites to gather personal information. The goal is to gain unauthorized access to data, such as credentials or financial information, while maintaining the appearance of a legitimate communication process.

Understanding MITM attacks is critical in cybersecurity, as they can have severe implications for data confidentiality and integrity. Effective countermeasures against these attacks often include encryption, secure protocols, and ensuring that endpoints are verified and trusted.