ARP Spoofing and How to Prevent it
Introduction
ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) Spoofing is a type of cyber attack that can be used to steal sensitive information from a network. Attackers use this method to intercept data that is being sent between two or more devices on a particular network. This article will discuss ARP Spoofing and how to prevent it from happening.What is ARP Spoofing?
ARP is a protocol used by network devices to match an IP address to a physical address or MAC address. ARP Spoofing, also known as ARP Poisoning, is when an attacker intercepts the communication between two devices by sending fake ARP messages to each device. The attacker sends a message to each device, pretending to be the other. Each device then updates its ARP table, thinking that the other device has a different MAC address. This causes all future communication between the two devices to go through the attacker's system, allowing the attacker to intercept and read all data.Preventing ARP Spoofing
There are a few things that can be done to prevent ARP Spoofing. Firstly, it is important to enable port security on all devices on the network. This will ensure that only the authorized MAC address can be connected to an Ethernet port. If a device with a different MAC address tries to connect, the port will be shut down. Secondly, Network Access Control (NAC) can be implemented to block any unauthorized or unknown devices from connecting to the network. NAC is a security solution that checks the device’s identity and its compliance with the network admission policy before allowing it to access the network. Lastly, network administrators can use ARP detection tools to monitor the network and detect any signs of ARP Spoofing. These tools can detect any duplicate MAC addresses on the network and alert the administrator about the issue.Conclusion
ARP Spoofing is a serious issue that can compromise the security of a network. Attackers can use this method to steal sensitive information, such as passwords and financial information. Preventing ARP Spoofing requires a combination of good network security practices, including enabling port security, implementing Network Access Control, and using ARP detection tools. By being proactive and taking steps to prevent ARP Spoofing, network administrators can help ensure the security of their network and prevent cyber attacks from happening.