What type of attack involves intercepting and altering communications between two parties without their knowledge?

A Man-in-the-Middle Attack is a type of cyber threat where an attacker secretly intercepts and potentially alters communication between two parties who believe they are directly communicating with each other. This attack allows the malicious actor to listen in on the conversation, capture sensitive information, or modify the messages being exchanged, all without the knowledge of the involved parties.

The nature of this attack is particularly insidious because it can lead to the loss of confidentiality and integrity of the information being shared. For example, the attacker could alter transaction details in a financial communication, leading to unauthorized transfers or data breaches. This type of attack is possible in various communication methods, including email, web traffic, and even phone calls, making it a critical concern in cybersecurity frameworks.

Understanding this type of attack is vital for implementing security measures such as encryption and secure communication protocols, which can help ensure that the data remains confidential and untampered as it travels between parties.