Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician (PCCET) Practice Exam

What is the name of the attack in which the attacker gets the victim to connect to an access point the attack controls?

1. Person in the middle

2. Man in the middle

3. Access point in the middle

4. Access point masquerading

The correct answer is: Man in the middle

The term "Man in the Middle" refers to a type of cyber attack where the attacker secretly intercepts and relays messages between two parties who believe they are directly communicating with each other. This method can be employed when an attacker sets up a rogue access point that appears to be legitimate, enticing victims to connect to it. Once connected, the attacker can monitor and manipulate the data being transmitted, effectively placing themselves between the victim and a legitimate service. In this scenario, the attacker controlling the access point can capture sensitive information such as login credentials, personal data, or even redirect communications. The essence of this attack lies in the covert nature of the intermediary position held by the attacker, which is why the term "Man in the Middle" is widely recognized in cybersecurity discussions. This makes it particularly dangerous, as victims often remain unaware of the threat until it is too late. Understanding the implications of this attack vector is crucial for recognizing the need for secure connections and the importance of verifying the legitimacy of access points before connecting to them.