A Man-in-the-Middle (MiTM) attack places a hacker between your browser and a real website, often using malicious software to spy on or change your data.

A Browser-in-the-Middle (BiTM) attack is trickier. You think you're using your own browser, but you're actually interacting with a browser controlled by a hacker. They can watch, record, and manipulate everything you do online.

How BiTM Attacks Work

1. Phishing – You click a fake link that leads to a malicious site.
2. Fake Browser – Hidden code opens a remote browser the hacker controls.
3. Data Theft – You use websites as usual, while your login info and data are secretly stolen.

Hackers steal special digital keys that keep you logged in, letting them bypass even multi-factor authentication (MFA). These attacks are fast and hard to detect.

How to Protect Yourself from BiTM Attacks:

• Don’t click unknown links – Always hover over a link to preview the URL before clicking.
• Bookmark important websites – Access sites like online banking only through saved bookmarks, not links in emails or texts.
• Use a password manager – It helps detect fake websites because it won’t auto-fill credentials on suspicious or unknown domains.
• Enable browser security features – Use browser alerts for suspicious sites, and keep your browser updated.
• Install antivirus software – It can detect and block malicious code or fake browsers.
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) – Even if tokens are at risk, MFA adds an extra hurdle for attackers.
• Logout when finished – Always log out of sensitive sites like email or banking, especially on shared devices.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities – Use a VPN if you must access personal accounts on public networks.
• Be cautious with browser extensions – Only install trusted add-ons from official stores, and review permissions.
• Update software regularly – Keep your operating system, browser, and security tools current to patch known vulnerabilities.

Are Passwords Still Important?

Yes. Even with advanced attacks, using strong passwords and turning on multi-factor authentication (MFA) makes it much harder for hackers to get in. While stealing digital keys that keep you logged in is a real threat, simple habits—like keeping your password safe and staying alert—are still some of the best ways to protect yourself.

Source: https://thehackernews.com/2025/05/how-browser-in-middle-attacks-steal.html