How To Protect Against MAC Address Vulnerability

Last modified: February 17, 2021

Often we are concerned about exposing the real IP address of our devices on the Internet which is why we use VPN services to stay protected on the Internet. However, If your MAC address is not protected, it increases your device’s Vulnerability on a network.

Before we dive further, let’s get into the basics.

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What is a MAC address?

Every network card/hardware on your device(s) has a unique identification that’s known as a MAC (Media Access Control) address. This information is used to uniquely identify each device on a network.

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Example of MAC Address?

Most MAC addresses consist of 12 letters or numbers across 6 pairs. For example:

• 1A-2B-3C-4D-5E-6F or 1A:2B:3C:4D:5E:6F
• 11-22-33-44-55-66 or 11:22:33:44:55:66

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How is MAC Address vulnerable?

Attacks on MAC addresses require extensive knowledge but if one gains access to it, they can use that to monitor your location, disrupt your Internet access and perform man-in-the-middle-attack (MITM).

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Why hide.me doesn’t protect my MAC Address?

When you connect to our VPN service, your connection will be encrypted and routed through our secure service and you will be protected whilst being online. With our service, you can have your IP changed to the location you prefer and enjoy the connection with security.

However, a VPN service such as ours doesn’t change/randomize your MAC address. This is because the MAC address is only visible between your computer and your network gateway such as a WiFi Router/Switch.

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How can I view my device’s MAC address?

Windows 10

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type cmd and press Enter.
2. When the command window shows up, type ipconfig /all and press Enter.
3. You will see a list of your adapters. Each will have a Physical address — the letters and numbers next to it are that adapter’s MAC address.

macOS

1. Click on the Wi-Fi icon on the top of your screen and select Open Network Preferences in the drop-down menu.
2. In the next screen, click on Advanced.
3. Select the Hardware tab at the top to see your MAC address.

Android

1. Go to Settings and Network & internet.
2. Tap on Wi-Fi and select the network you’re connected to.
3. Tap Advanced, and under Network details you’ll see your MAC address.

iOS

1. Go to Settings and General.
2. Select About and scroll down. Your MAC address is listed as Wi-Fi Address.

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How to protect MAC address?

If your MAC address is not protected, it increases your device’s Vulnerability on the Internet. Below are some suggestions to keep your MAC address protected.

1. Ensure your device’s system is updated.

Keeping your device(s) updated often include feature enhancement and security updates.

2. Turn off WiFi when you’re not using your device.

First of all, you should only connect to the network you trust and if you’re on a public WiFi, please connect to our VPN service first to secure your connection. When you’re not using your device, we suggest you to disable the WiFi. This is because, your device tend to broadcast MAC address to other networks even if you’re not connected to it.

3. MAC address randomization

MAC randomization lets you cycle through some sets of random MAC address when you’re not connected to a network. The randomization stops when you’re connected to a network (that you chose) to maintain a stable connection.

Windows:

• Press the Windows key and click on the Settings icon.
• Select Network & Internet and click on Wi-Fi.
• Click on the network you are connected to, and under Random hardware addresses select On, Off, or Change daily.

macOS & iOS:

• As of 2014, Apple implemented automatic MAC randomization in its products, so you don’t have to do anything.

Android:

• MAC address randomization is enabled by default on Android version 8.X and 10.X. For Android 9.X, you will need enable it via developer option in the Settings menu.

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