Which type of network attack manipulates data packets exchanged between a client and server?

A Man-in-the-Middle Attack is a type of network intrusion where an attacker intercepts and potentially alters the communication between two parties—typically a client and a server—without their knowledge. In this scenario, the attacker can capture and manipulate data packets as they are transmitted, which allows them to eavesdrop on the conversation or inject malicious payloads.

The effectiveness of this attack lies in its ability to operate unseen, meaning that neither the client nor the server is aware that their data exchange is being compromised. This method is often used to steal sensitive information, such as login credentials or personal data, making it particularly dangerous in scenarios involving sensitive communications over unsecured networks.

In contrast, other types of attacks listed do not focus on manipulating the data packets exchanged between a client and server. A Brute Force Attack involves systematically attempting different combinations to guess passwords without intercepting the traffic. A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attack aims to overwhelm a network or server, disrupting services but not altering data in transit. DNS Spoofing targets domain name system queries to redirect traffic but does not engage in the manipulation of packets once the session is established. Thus, the characteristic of manipulating data packets is central to understanding why the Man-in-the-Middle