Beware the Bite: Avoid AitM Phishing Attacks

Ever matched with someone online who seemed perfect, only to find out later they were totally fake? Well, cybercriminals are using a similar trick to steal your online identity – and it's called an AitM phishing attack.

Imagine this: You're logging in to your favorite social media site, but something feels a little fishy. Maybe the logo is slightly off, or the website takes a while to load. In a regular phishing attack, that website might be trying to steal your username and password. But an AitM attack is craftier.

Think of AitM as the ultimate online eavesdropper. Instead of stealing your login details directly, the attacker secretly positions themselves in the middle of your communication with the real website. They're like a sneaky listener on a phone call, waiting to snatch a secret piece of information.

That secret info is a "session cookie." It's like a digital backstage pass that tells websites you're already logged in. If an attacker steals your session cookie, they can use it to pretend to be YOU, even if you have strong passwords or multi-factor authentication (MFA). That's like the fake online dater using stolen photos and messages to trick someone else!

Here's the scary part: AitM attacks are on the rise. In July 2022, Microsoft documented a wave of these attacks targeting email accounts. The attackers used AitM tactics to steal session cookies and bypass MFA. Once they had access to inboxes, they could launch further scams like Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks, impersonating legitimate businesses to steal money. This is just one example, and AitM attacks are likely even more widespread because they can be tricky to detect.

So, how do you avoid this digital catfishing?

• Be skeptical of suspicious links: Don't click on links in emails or messages, even if they seem to come from a friend or colleague. Always double-check the sender's address!
• Look for the lock! When logging in to a website, make sure there's a padlock symbol in your browser's address bar. This indicates a secure connection.
• Double the protection, double the trouble for attackers! Enable two-factor authentication (MFA) on all your accounts whenever possible. This adds an extra step to the login process, making it much harder for attackers to impersonate you.
• Security software is your friend! Consider using a reputable security program that can help detect and block phishing attempts before they steal your cookies.

By following these simple tips, you can protect yourself from AitM phishing attacks and keep your online identity safe from imposters. Remember, if something feels fishy online, it probably is! Stay safe and happy browsing!