Definition
A Media Access Control (MAC) address is a set of numbers and letters that serve as the unique identifier of a device’s network interface controller (NIC).
It serves as the ID card of your device in a network, allowing it to communicate with other devices. A MAC address consists of six pairs of characters separated by full colons. E.g., 0A:1B:2C:3A:44:5C.
Unlike IP addresses, MAC addresses are static because they are only used in the local network.
MAC Address Tracking
When you enable a Wi-Fi connection on your device, it advertises its unencrypted MAC address to Wi-Fi hotspots in range and attempts to connect. Malicious people can use even simple trackers to monitor your presence without you noticing it.
MAC Addresses Security and Privacy Issues
- Security risks: Hackers can use security tools such as Kismet and Ethereal to obtain your MAC address and impersonate you in a network. This is called MAC spoofing.
- Privacy concerns: Attackers can use your MAC address to track your online behavior and build your online profile. Also, they can cross-reference the MAC address with other data sources like public records or social media platforms to build an even more accurate profile.