MITM: HTTPS spoofing

Description

HTTPS spoofing, also known as SSL/TLS spoofing or is-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack, is a type of cyberattack where an attacker intercepts a user's encrypted HTTPS communication and spoofs a website's security certificate to appear as a trusted website. HTTPS is a secure protocol that encrypts data sent between a user's browser and a website to ensure confidentiality and integrity of the communication.

In an HTTPS spoofing attack, the attacker intercepts the encrypted communication and decrypts it using a fake security certificate. This allows the attacker to view, modify or inject malicious content into the communication, while the user and the website are unaware of the interception.

HTTPS spoofing attacks can be carried out in various ways, such as by installing a rogue certificate authority, exploiting vulnerabilities in the user's computer or network, or by tricking the user into installing malware that intercepts the communication. These attacks can be used for various purposes, such as stealing sensitive information, injecting malware, or conducting phishing attacks.

Prevention

To protect against HTTPS spoofing attacks, users can ensure that they only access trusted websites, check the security certificate of a website before entering sensitive information, and use security measures such as two-factor authentication and anti-malware software. Websites can also implement security measures, such as using Extended Validation (EV) certificates, implementing HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS), and regularly updating their security certificates.