Defend Your Business from Current Cyberattacks

Understanding Adversary in the Middle Attacks & Prevention Methods

As a small business owner in Melbourne, you are undoubtedly aware of the current cyberattacks that jeopardize your business. Among these, Adversary-in-the-Middle (AitM) attacks are increasing in prevalence. In 2024, AitM attacks against small businesses in Australia surged by 40%, posing a significant risk to your business’s security and reputation.

What is an AitM Attack?

An AitM attack occurs when an adversary intercepts and/or alters communication between two parties without their knowledge. This type of attack can happen through unsecured Wi-Fi networks, phishing emails or via compromised websites. The attacker can eavesdrop on conversations or collect your credentials so they can access your critical systems. Common AitM attacks include:

• Stealing Session Tokens: Attackers use malware to steal your “token” from your computer. They can then use your token to access systems like client portals or online banking sites.
• Login Page Transparent Proxies: Attackers present a real-looking Microsoft login page. When you log in everything works like normal, but they also get a copy of your credentials so they can log in as well.
• Deploying Rogue Applications: Attackers insert rogue applications into your M365 environment that gives them access. This can easily occur if a user scans a malicious QR code.

The Consequences of Cyberattacks

The risk of an attack grows each day your business is left unprotected. Should an attacker obtain your credentials, they could access your business and personal emails, files, and other data. They can then steal, delete or encrypt your data; leading to data breaches, loss of revenue and damage to your business’s reputation. In serious situations, attackers may commit identity theft or steal money from their victims. These events can lead to the end of a business.

Synapse’s Adversary in the Middle Detection Solution

Our comprehensive cybersecurity solutions can protect your business from AitM and other current cyberattacks. Accordingly, we continually enhance our tools and services to stay ahead of emerging threats. Here are some new solutions we provide that can defend your business:

• Scrutinising Login Locations: Our security tools rigorously analyse known versus unknown login locations. Even if login credentials are correct, logins from suspicious locations are flagged and investigated.
• Enhanced Microsoft Login Checks: We’ve added extra checks to the Microsoft login page process. Credentials that don’t go through these extra checks, eg if they originate via a transparent proxy, will alert our system and spark an inquiry.
• Rogue Cloud Application Detection: Our systems now actively check for and detect rogue cloud applications within your Microsoft 365 environment for quick and easy removal.

Cybersecurity is a critical aspect of your business’s IT infrastructure. Contact our expert team to discover our cybersecurity options, and to discuss how our security measures can protect your organisation in an increasingly dangerous digital world.