Whether your network is wireless or wired, one thing is for sure: you not only need network software but also hardware (like routers or cables, for example) to transmit data from your device or computer to your router or ISP server – or vice versa.
And to ensure the data reaches only you (and that too, without being altered or overheard), it all comes down to the network addresses, more commonly known as a Media Access Control (MAC) address. Both IP addresses and MAC addresses are unique identifiers, and together they make data transmission successful.
Now, moving on to the topic of discussion: What is a MAC Address?
A MAC address is a unique identification number or code used to identify individual devices on the network. Therefore, it’s also sometimes referred to as a hardware or physical address.
These numbers are embedded into the hardware of the network device during the manufacturing process. While they usually remain constant, you can sometimes find and modify the MAC address settings through software.
MAC addresses are 12-digit hexadecimal numbers (48 bits or 6 bytes in length) and often written in MM:MM:SS:SS:SS format. They help with communication on the network, and also provide some ISPs with a secure means to authenticate devices or computers for internet access.
Indeed, both MAC addresses and IP addresses are used by a TCP/IP network – but for different purposes. The following are some differences between the two types of network addresses:
MAC Address
| IP Address
|
Tip: Find out what is your IP Address
Unless you switch off the Wi-Fi on your phone before heading out, your phone will automatically scan for available Wi-Fi networks as you move from one place to another. Most smartphones use both passive and active scanning to find and connect to Wi-Fi access points.
Since a device includes its MAC address when sending out probe request packets, your smartphone broadcasts its MAC address for anyone to notice within the Wi-Fi range. Therefore, as you walk around, your device will transmit its presence to any nearby network.
This information may be used to track your device’s movements throughout the day, which gives an idea of where you have been moving and at what time. Furthermore, it could also be sold to advertisers so that they can target ads based on the frequency of your visits.
Unfortunately, it’s pretty easy for hackers to get their hands on MAC addresses. Why, you ask? This is because they are sent in the clear from each device, allowing malicious users to “sniff” the traffic to find your MAC address.
The hacker will simply have to monitor your Wi-Fi traffic, analyze a packet to find the MAC address of a permitted device, modify the MAC address of their device with the permitted MAC address, and connect in place of your device.
Think that’s impossible? Well, think again! Even though the device is already connected to a Wi-Fi network, the hacker can forcibly disconnect it by launching a deauthentication attack so they can reconnect instead.
So, “how do I change my MAC address?” you may wonder. This is how you can do it:
The System Preferences pane shows the MAC address of each network interface, but it doesn’t let you modify it.
To do that, you will have to access the Terminal:
Note: Run the “ifconfig” command if you are not sure about the appropriate name for your network interface.
Just turn over your router, and you will find the MAC address printed on a label at the back of the router.
By installing PureVPN on your device or router, not only can you change your real IP address and location to anonymize your presence on the internet, but also encrypt all your incoming and outgoing traffic to make it difficult for hackers and snoopers to get hold of your MAC address and use it for their nefarious purposes.