MAC address spoofing is also done to reproduce an authorized device to get access to paid software applications or online services. MAC filters are also used to restrict access by WLAN networks. Using the technique of white-listing, if there is an unknown address, it is automatically blocked. At the network stage, connecting factors such as Ethernet switches by way of port security enables to filter network data passage on the OSI layer 2. Many administrators and IT Teams use security measures to guard IT systems from internal and external hazards, by restricting access to the LAN to authorized devices. However, it is also to be noted that hackers use the same reason to hide their identity and surf anonymously for illegal activities. In order to prevent the easy availability of this information, some users mask the address to protect their privacy. Since MAC addresses are passed over open or public WLAN or LAN networks, it is unencrypted, giving away the details of devices that are registered in that network and respective hardware addresses.
Therefore, the following are some of the reasons to mask or spoof the MAC address: A) Protection of privacy As explained before, the MAC address is the unique number given to every network device and it is used to identify that network device in the wide world. Why is MAC spoofing done?īesides hackers using the strategy of MAC spoofing to bypass access controls and security checks or for illegal activities, people also use MAC spoofing for legitimate reasons. So the answer to what is MAC address spoofing is very simple as it means a method for changing or masking the factory-assigned MAC address of a network interface on a device. Spoofing in general means the diverse methods available to control and operate the fundamental address system in different computer networks. One of the most important strategies used in MAC spoofing attacks is to mask the MAC address, also popularly known as MAC ID spoofing. MAC address spoofing is which type of attack wherein the hacker is also able to bypass authentication checks as he presents this as the default gateway and copies all of the data passed on to the default gateway without being identified, giving him all the important details about applications in use and end-host IP addresses. MAC address spoofing attack is where the impostor or hacker hunts the network for valid and original MAC addresses and circumvents access control measures, giving the hacker the advantage to pose as one of the valid MAC addresses. But first, we need to understand what a MAC spoofing attack is in order to prevent ourselves from falling victims to it. MAC spoofing attack is a common phenomenon currently, thanks to the ever-growing technology.
MAC Address, abbreviated as Media Access Control address, is the distinct serial number given for each interface from the factory by its vendor.