Stay Secure: We are seeing an increased number of compromised users on Microsoft 365. Understanding and Preventing Man-in-the-Middle Attacks.

In our ongoing commitment to cybersecurity, Apex Computing Services aims to keep our clients informed and protected against emerging threats. A prevalent and increasingly sophisticated type of cyber threat that has been targeting several of our clients is the Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attack. These attacks not only compromise the security of individual users but also threaten the integrity of corporate data and communications.

What is a Man-in-the-Middle Attack?

A Man-in-the-Middle attack occurs when a cybercriminal intercepts a communication between two parties unbeknownst to them, with the intent to steal or manipulate the data being exchanged. Typically, this type of attack involves phishing emails that lead to counterfeit login pages. For instance, attackers might send an email that directs users to a fake Microsoft login page that appears strikingly authentic. However, a closer look at the URL often reveals discrepancies that indicate its fraudulent nature. When users enter their credentials, including passwords and MFA codes, attackers gain everything they need to hijack user sessions and gain unauthorised access to critical information.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Organisation:

• Verify URLs: Always check the web address in your browser's address bar before entering your login credentials to ensure the page is legitimate.
  
  
• Avoid Email Links: Encourage your team to avoid logging into any service through links received via email. Instead, access websites by typing the URL directly into the browser.
  
  
• Utilise Support Services: If you're unsure about the authenticity of a webpage, contact the Apex Service Desk. Our engineers are equipped to verify the security of the sites you wish to access.
  
  
• Educate Your Team: We provide a robust training module known as "Know Before," which is part of our Apex Cyber Security Sphere. This training is specifically designed to help employees recognise and resist social engineering attacks.

Microsoft's Efforts and Future Directions:

Microsoft is actively developing enhanced authentication methods to combat these kinds of cyber-attacks more effectively. Although there is no fixed timeline for these developments, we remain in close contact with industry leaders and will keep our clients updated with any advancements.

Learn More Through Our Educational Resources:

To further aid our clients in understanding how these attacks occur and how to prevent them, we have prepared a video demonstration by Ashley Proctor, our Head of Technical. This short video is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the technicalities of cyber attacks and their prevention.

Click here to watch our video demonstration!

Conclusion:

The security of your data and communications is paramount. At Apex Computing Services, we are here to support you in safeguarding your digital environments. We encourage all our clients to stay vigilant, educate their employees, and reach out to us with any security concerns. Your proactive efforts in cybersecurity awareness can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to a Man-in-the-Middle attack.

For more information, tips, and support, please visit our website or contact our service desk. Together, we can create a safer digital space for everyone.