What is a Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack?

A Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack is characterized by an attacker who secretly intercepts and relays communication between two parties, often with the intent to secretly alter the information being exchanged. This type of attack allows the attacker to eavesdrop on the conversation and manipulate the data without either party being aware of the breach.

MitM attacks can occur in various contexts, including unsecured Wi-Fi networks, where an attacker may position themselves between a user and a legitimate network, or in situations where communication protocols are inadequately secured. The attacker can impersonate one or both of the participants, leading to potential data theft, credential compromise, or other malicious outcomes.

In contrast, other choices do not capture the essence of a MitM attack. Engaging directly with a target implies a more straightforward confrontation or interaction, which does not reflect the inherent stealth of MitM tactics. Disrupting network availability suggests a denial-of-service approach, which is distinct from intercepting and modifying communications. Exploiting known vulnerabilities in software refers to a different method of attack that relies on weaknesses in applications or systems rather than interception of ongoing communications. Thus, the accurate depiction of a MitM attack is the one that highlights the interception and potential alteration of the