Information Technology Specialist (ITS) Cybersecurity Practice Exam

Which kind of attack intercepts and alters data sent between two hosts?

1. Replay attack

2. XSS

3. Man-in-the-middle

4. Session hijacking

The correct answer is: Man-in-the-middle

The correct answer is the Man-in-the-Middle attack, which effectively describes an attack scenario where an unauthorized party intercepts the communication between two hosts. In this type of attack, the malicious actor can not only observe the data being transmitted but can also modify the messages sent back and forth between the two legitimate parties. This means that the attacker can inject false information, alter commands, or manipulate the session in a way that might mislead either of the hosts. Man-in-the-Middle attacks are particularly dangerous because the two parties may not be aware of the compromise, leading to potential data breaches, loss of confidentiality, and integrity issues. This type of attack often exploits weaknesses in network protocols and can occur in various forms, such as intercepting Wi-Fi communications, exploiting unsecured networks, or using malware. Understanding this type of attack is crucial for implementing effective cybersecurity measures, such as encryption, secure communication protocols, and routine monitoring of data traffic, to safeguard against unauthorized interception and tampering.