What does HDM mean in UNCLASSIFIED

HDM in Information Security

In information security, HDM refers to an attacker who intercepts communication between two parties and impersonates one or both of them. This allows the attacker to eavesdrop on confidential information, manipulate data, and even redirect traffic to malicious destinations.

Methods:

• IP Spoofing: The attacker sends packets with a forged IP address, making it appear as if they are coming from the intended recipient.
• DNS Cache Poisoning: The attacker modifies the DNS cache of a targeted server, causing it to redirect traffic to a malicious website.
• ARP Poisoning: The attacker sends forged ARP responses to the victim's network, associating their MAC address with the IP address of the intended recipient.

Consequences:

• Data Theft: The attacker can intercept and steal sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and confidential documents.
• Manipulation of Data: The attacker can alter data in transit, potentially causing damage or disruption to critical systems.
• Man-in-the-Browser Attacks: The attacker can inject malicious code into the victim's browser, allowing them to track activity, steal credentials, and compromise accounts.

Prevention and Detection

• Encryption: Encrypting data in transit can prevent attackers from intercepting and reading it.
• Strong Authentication: Implementing strong authentication methods, such as two-factor authentication, can make it more difficult for attackers to impersonate users.
• Network Monitoring: Regularly monitoring network traffic can help detect suspicious activity and identify potential HDM attacks.