What is a Man in The Middle attack?

A Man in The Middle (MitM) attack occurs when a malicious actor intercepts communication between two parties without their knowledge. This allows the attacker to access, transmit, or alter the messages exchanged, effectively placing themselves "in the middle" of the interaction. This type of attack is often used to steal sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card numbers, or personal details, making it a significant security concern in digital communications.

The option highlighting this type of attack accurately describes the manipulation of data transmission, which is the essence of a MitM attack. This approach can tangibly affect both the confidentiality and integrity of the communication between the original parties.

In contrast, other options do not encompass the specific characteristics of a Man in The Middle attack. For instance, while stealing personal information might be a consequence of a MitM attack, it does not fully define the process of intercepting communications. Similarly, bypassing security using default passwords relates more to credential exploitation rather than interception. Targeting software vulnerabilities is another form of attack entirely, focusing on exploiting flaws in software rather than taking advantage of the communication channel itself.