What is the meaning of the acronym MiTM in cybersecurity?

Prepare for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The acronym MiTM in cybersecurity stands for "Man in the Middle." This term describes a type of cyberattack where an attacker intercepts communication between two parties without their knowledge. The attacker can then eavesdrop, alter the communication, or impersonate one of the parties to gain sensitive information.

This technique is particularly concerning in scenarios where sensitive data, such as login credentials or financial information, is exchanged. The 'man' refers to the malicious actor who positions themselves in the communication stream, thus being able to manipulate the data being transmitted. Understanding this concept is vital for recognizing potential vulnerabilities in network communications and for implementing security measures, such as encryption, to protect against such attacks.

The alternative options do not define a known cybersecurity concept. "Machine in the Management" and "Media in the Module" do not relate to commonly recognized terms in cybersecurity. "Monitoring in the Middle" inaccurately suggests a benign oversight role rather than highlighting the malicious interception characteristic of MiTM attacks.

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