Man-in-the-middle attacks in the US in 2024 emerged as a significant worry. The communication platforms that companies utilize to exchange information, communicate with clients, and run day-to-day operations were the focus of these assaults.
As companies rely more on digital tools, gaps in communication systems have become easy targets for hackers. MITM attacks take advantage of these weak points, creating serious problems for businesses of all sizes. According to a report by Securus Communications, as of May 2024, there were over 35.9 billion known data breaches globally, with sophisticated MITM attacks helping attackers bypass multi-factor authentication security measures.Â
What Are Man-in-the-Middle Attacks (MITM)?
Man-in-the-middle attacks happen when a hacker secretly places themselves between two parties who are communicating. The hacker intercepts the information being shared and can even change it. This tricks people into thinking the communication is secure and private, but it’s not.
For businesses, these attacks are very dangerous. Hackers can steal important data like customer information or financial records. Hackers can also manipulate the communication to mislead one or both parties. The company may suffer large financial and reputational damages as a result of this.
How Do MITM Attacks Affect Businesses?
MITM attacks can have a wide range of impacts on companies. Here are some of the most common ways they cause harm:
1. Compromised Data Integrity
When hackers intercept business communications, they can change the information being exchanged. For example, they might alter a contract, modify an order, or inject false information into a negotiation. This can create confusion, lead to errors, or even cause legal disputes. When data is manipulated, it can result in expensive errors since businesses depend on reliable information to make choices.
2. Stolen Credentials
Hackers often use MITM attacks to steal login details. Hackers can access company accounts and systems by using credentials they have stolen. Email accounts, client databases, and banking systems may fall under this category. They can pose as authorized users once they’re inside. Because of this, it is difficult to identify them until they cause significant harm.
3. Financial Theft
A major problem with a MITM attack is financial loss. Hackers can change payment details during transactions:
- They might switch the supplier’s bank account with their own on an invoice.
- The business believes they are paying the supplier, but the money goes to the hacker.
- In many cases, the stolen money cannot be recovered, leading to financial losses.
4. Supply Chain Exploits
Sensitive information is frequently shared by businesses with partners, distributors, and suppliers. Information such as contracts, prices, and manufacturing schedules may be included. MITM attacks have the ability to intercept these messages and reveal this data. Hackers may utilize it to impede operations, postpone deliveries, or sell it to rivals in order to get an edge.
Why Did Man-in-the-Middle Attacks in the US Rise in 2024?
Man-in-the-Middle Attacks in the US in 2024 saw a sharp increase due to several trends that made businesses more vulnerable. These attacks thrived as companies adjusted to new ways of working and adopted more digital tools. Hackers exploited these changes to target weaknesses in communication and security systems. The following are the primary causes of the increase:
1. Growth of Remote and Hybrid Work
In 2024, many US companies adopted hybrid work models. Employees worked part of the week from home and the rest in the office. While this improved efficiency, it also raised new security concerns. In order to access corporate systems, remote workers frequently used public Wi-Fi or home networks. Because these networks weren’t always secure, attackers found them to be easy targets.
2. Increased Use of IoT Devices
In 2024, businesses used more Internet of Things (IoT) devices than ever before. These included things like smart speakers, security cameras, and connected printers. While these devices helped improve efficiency, they also created new security risks. Most IoT devices have weak security features and can be easily exploited by attackers.
Hackers used compromised IoT devices as entry points to intercept communications. For example, a smart conference room device could be hacked and used to capture meeting discussions or confidential business plans. Businesses struggled to secure these devices. This led to an increase in Man-in-the-Middle Attacks in the US in 2024 as more IoT devices were used.
3. Reliance on Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks became another weak link in 2024. Many employees accessed company systems from cafes, airports, or co-working spaces using unsecured Wi-Fi. Hackers often create fake networks in these places. These networks trick employees into connecting. Once linked, hackers can steal company data, login credentials, and emails.
4. Weak Encryption Practices
Weak encryption was another major factor behind the rise of Man-in-the-Middle Attacks in the US in 2024. Encryption protects data by making it unreadable to anyone without the correct key. Nevertheless, a lot of companies—particularly small and medium-sized ones—failed to use robust encryption.
Some companies relied on outdated encryption protocols that were easily broken by attackers. Others didn’t encrypt their communications at all, leaving sensitive information exposed. A report found that weak encryption practices were responsible for nearly 70% of successful MITM attacks in the US in 2024. This highlights how critical encryption is for securing business communication.
Types of Man-in-the-Middle Attacks Targeting Businesses in 2024
Man-in-the-Middle Attacks in the US in 2024 impacted businesses through various techniques. By taking advantage of a particular flaw in communication networks, each attack type made it simpler for hackers to intercept and alter private data. The most prevalent kinds of these assaults that targeted companies are broken down as follows:
1. DNS Spoofing
DNS spoofing was a major method used in MITM Attacks in the US in 2024. Hackers tampered with the DNS, which turns website names into IP addresses. This lets them send business users to fake websites that looked real.1
For example, an employee trying to log in to a bank account might end up on a fake site without knowing it. The hacker could then steal their login details or financial information.
This kind of assault costs US companies a lot of money in 2024. The most affected businesses were those with insufficient DNS protection.
2. Email Hijacking
Email hijacking was a common method used in MITM attacks in 2024. Hackers broke into corporate email systems to intercept or change messages.
One common trick was sending fake invoices. Hackers watched emails between businesses and suppliers to carry out their scams. When payments were due, they would send fake invoices with altered bank account details. Businesses believed they were paying legitimate suppliers, but the funds ended up in the attacker’s account. This form of email fraud caused millions of dollars in losses for US companies in 2024.
3. Session Hijacking
Session hijacking was a highly targeted technique in Man-in-the-Middle Attacks in the US in 2024. Attackers exploited vulnerabilities in session cookies, which keep users logged in to websites and applications.
By stealing these cookies, hackers gained unauthorized access to business systems like Customer Relationship Management (CRM) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms. Once inside, they may alter orders, examine private client information, or interfere with corporate functions. The significance of protecting session data for companies of all sizes was brought to light by this kind of attack.
4. SSL Stripping
SSL stripping was a significant issue in Man-in-the-Middle Attacks in the US in 2024. This attack involved downgrading secure HTTPS connections to unsecured HTTP connections. HTTPS encrypts data between the user and a website, but HTTP does not.
Hackers used this technique to make sensitive data, like login credentials and financial details, readable during transmission. Businesses that did not enforce HTTPS connections across their websites or internal tools were especially vulnerable. SSL stripping attacks demonstrated the need for companies to prioritize encryption and enforce strict security protocols.
5. Wi-Fi Eavesdropping
Wi-Fi eavesdropping was one of the simplest and most effective forms of Man-in-the-Middle Attacks in the US in 2024. In public locations like coffee shops, airports, and co-working spaces, attackers create phony Wi-Fi networks. These networks fooled workers into connecting by looking authentic.
Hackers might access staff communications when they connected. Passwords, emails, and crucial company information were among them. Wi-Fi eavesdropping was particularly dangerous because it required minimal effort from attackers but caused maximum damage to businesses.
The MITM Attacks That Defined 2024 Cybersecurity Risks
In 2024, several major companies across different industries in the United States were targeted by Man-in-the-Middle attacks. These events revealed serious weaknesses and caused major disruptions. Listed below are some of the high profile man in the middle attacks:
Case Study 1: Salt Typhoon Targets U.S. Telecom Companies
U.S. telecom companies, including AT&T, Verizon, Lumen Technologies, and T-Mobile, were hit by a major Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attack. The attack was linked to Salt Typhoon, a hacking group tied to China.
Attack Details:
- What Happened: A group called Salt Typhoon hacked into the main systems of several telecom companies. They were able to listen to phone calls and track people’s locations without being noticed.
- The Impact: The attack exposed private communications of businesses and government agencies. It posed big risks to national security and has been called the biggest telecom hack in U.S. history.
- The Response: The U.S. government created a task force to handle the attack. The affected companies worked with law enforcement to boost security. Despite these efforts, the hack showed how vulnerable key systems are to attacks.
Case Study 2: Chrome Extensions Used to Steal Data
In December 2024, hackers compromised popular Chrome extensions, including those from Cyberhaven, a company specializing in data loss prevention.
Attack Details:
- How it Happened: The attackers added malicious code to legitimate Chrome extensions. This code was designed to steal browser cookies and user sessions. The main targets were businesses using social media advertising platforms like Facebook Ads and AI tools.
- Impact: The malicious update lasted for about 25 hours before being stopped. During this time, sensitive data from users and companies was at risk. Other affected extensions included Internxt VPN, VPNCity, Uvoice, and ParrotTalks.
- Response: Cyberhaven quickly released an updated version of their extension to fix the issue. They advised affected businesses to check their logs and change their passwords. The attack emphasized the dangers of relying on third-party browser tools without proper security checks.
Case Study 3: TeamViewer SE Breached by Cozy Bear
In June 2024, TeamViewer SE, a German company known for its remote desktop software, reported a breach of its corporate network by Cozy Bear, a Russian hacking group.
Attack Details:
- How it Happened: Cozy Bear infiltrated TeamViewer’s internal systems. While they didn’t compromise the remote desktop product itself, the hackers accessed sensitive internal communications.
- Impact: Although customer data was reportedly unaffected, the breach raised alarms about the security of corporate IT systems. It also highlighted the risks of advanced persistent threat (APT) groups like Cozy Bear.
- Response: TeamViewer worked with cybersecurity experts and law enforcement to investigate the attack and strengthen its defenses. The incident served as a reminder of how even well-known companies can be vulnerable to sophisticated attacks.
Case Study 4: Equifax Data Breach
Equifax, a major credit reporting company, experienced a serious data breach caused by a Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attack. Hackers used a vulnerability to intercept communications, exposing sensitive data of about 147 million people.
Attack Details
- How it Happened: The attackers exploited a known vulnerability that was not fully patched. This allowed them to intercept and manipulate data being exchanged between Equifax systems and external users.
- Impact: The hackers accessed Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, and other personal information. The breach led to over $700 million in fines and settlements.
- Response: Equifax faced lawsuits and significant financial losses. The company also revamped its cybersecurity measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Case Study 4: Terrapin Attack on SSH Protocol
In December 2023, researchers found a vulnerability in the SSH protocol called the “Terrapin Attack.” This issue persisted into 2024 and allowed hackers to carry out MITM attacks on secure connections.
Attack Details
- How it Happened: The attackers used sequence number manipulation during SSH session setups. This let them intercept and even alter communications between users and servers.
- Impact: About 11 million publicly accessible SSH servers were found to be at risk. Many organizations relying on SSH for secure communications were exposed to potential data breaches.
- Response: Developers released fixes for the vulnerability. However, both clients and servers needed updates to fully resolve the issue, making mitigation a complex process.
Case Study 5: Iranian Hackers Targeting U.S. Presidential Campaign
In August 2024, Iranian hackers carried out a MITM attack on a U.S. presidential campaign. They intercepted and leaked sensitive campaign documents.
Attack Details
- How it Happened: The hackers used spear-phishing emails to gain initial access. They then employed MITM techniques to capture internal communications and extract confidential files.
- Impact: Sensitive materials from the campaign were made public. This raised concerns about foreign interference in the U.S. elections and influenced political discussions.
- Response: The campaign tightened its cybersecurity protocols and worked with law enforcement to investigate. The incident highlighted the need for stronger digital protections in political campaigns.
Impact of MITM Attacks on Businesses
The consequences of Man-in-the-Middle Attacks in the US in 2024 were severe for businesses across sectors:
Financial Losses
According to a recent report, the average MITM attack cost US businesses $1.2 million. Financial damages included fraudulent transactions, ransom payments, and legal penalties.
Operational Disruption
Interrupted communication and compromised systems led to delays in projects, disrupted supply chains, and reduced productivity.
Regulatory Penalties
Businesses that failed to secure sensitive data faced fines under compliance frameworks like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
Reputational Damage
Clients lost trust in businesses unable to safeguard their data. For example, a data breach at a leading SaaS provider resulted in the loss of several high-profile clients.
How Businesses Can Protect Against Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks?
Man-in-the-Middle attacks can cause severe damage to businesses. They lead to data theft, financial loss, and reputational harm. However, businesses can take several steps to protect themselves. Here’s how:
1. Secure Communication Channels
Businesses must protect the way they communicate. Use end-to-end encryption to ensure that only the sender and receiver can see the message. Implement secure protocols like HTTPS for websites, TLS for email, and VPNs for remote workers. These tools prevent attackers from intercepting sensitive data during transmission.
For example, a company sharing financial reports over an unencrypted channel is an easy target. With encryption, even if a hacker intercepts the data, they cannot read it.
2. Monitor Your Network
Network monitoring tools help businesses detect unauthorized activity. These tools watch for unusual behavior, such as unexpected logins or data transfers. If an attacker tries to intercept communications, the system can alert the IT team.
Real-time monitoring is essential for identifying threats as they happen. This can prevent an attack from escalating and minimize damage.
3. Train Your Employees
Employees are often the first target in a MITM attack. Phishing emails, fake Wi-Fi networks, and poor password practices can all lead to breaches. Businesses must educate their teams on:
- Recognizing phishing attempts: Train employees to identify suspicious emails and links.
- Avoiding public Wi-Fi: Remind them not to access sensitive systems over unsecured networks.
- Using strong login practices: Teach them the importance of secure passwords and avoiding password reuse.
Regular training sessions ensure employees stay aware of new threats and best practices.
4. Conduct Regular Security Audits
Regular audits help businesses find weak points in their systems. These audits involve testing networks, applications, and devices for vulnerabilities. For example, outdated software might have known flaws that attackers can exploit.
Fixing these issues before attackers find them can save a business from serious harm. Security audits should be scheduled regularly and after any major changes to the company’s systems.
5. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Systems cannot be kept safe with just passwords. MFA adds an extra layer of protection. With MFA, users must verify their identity using a second method, like a text code or fingerprint.
Even if a hacker steals a password, they won’t be able to access the system without the second verification. Businesses should require MFA for all critical systems, especially those storing sensitive data.
6. Invest in Advanced Cybersecurity Solutions
Modern cybersecurity tools are crucial to stop advanced threats like MITM attacks. Businesses should use enterprise-level solutions, including:
- Firewalls or threat detection systems: Prevent unauthorized access.
- Password managers: Help employees create strong and unique passwords.
- Threat protection tools: Block trackers, malicious ads, and phishing links.
These tools provide a comprehensive defense against MITM attacks and other cyber threats.
PureWL – Powering Businesses to Beat MITM Attacks
Strong cybersecurity technologies are available from PureWL to shield companies from dangers like Man-in-the-Middle attacks. With its White Label VPN, PureWL encrypts data to keep communication secure for both remote and on-site employees. Also, its white-label Password Manager helps businesses create strong password policies, reducing the chance of stolen credentials. Because PureWL’s solutions are adaptable, companies may easily incorporate them into their existing systems. Businesses may safeguard their data and operations with the help of these technologies.
Final Thoughts
As 2025 begins, the lessons learnt from the Man in the Middle attacks in the US in 2024 remain clear. Numerous US firms suffered significant financial losses as well as harm to their brands as a result of these attacks. They show that strong cybersecurity is no longer a choice—it’s a must.
Businesses need tools like VPNs, password managers, and threat protection to protect their data and keep their operations safe. PureWL provides the right solutions to help businesses stay secure and ready for what’s ahead.