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MAC Addressing
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= MAC Addressing = Every device on a network has a built-in network interface, and that interface is assigned a unique identifier called a '''MAC address''' (Media Access Control address). == What is a MAC Address? == A MAC address is a 48-bit identifier burned into the device’s network interface card (NIC) by the manufacturer. It's written as 12 hexadecimal digits, grouped in pairs, separated by colons. '''Example:''' <pre> a4:c3:f0:85:ac:2d </pre> === Breakdown === {| class="wikitable" ! Section !! Meaning |- | a4:c3:f0 || Manufacturer ID (also called OUI - Organizationally Unique Identifier) |- | 85:ac:2d || Unique device identifier |} No two NICs are supposed to have the same MAC address — unless spoofed. == How MAC Addresses Work == MAC addresses operate at '''Layer 2''' of the [[OSI Model]] (Data Link layer). They’re used for communication within the same local network (LAN). While IP addresses can change, MAC addresses usually stay the same — unless manually altered. Routers and switches use MAC addresses to direct traffic inside local networks. Once the data goes outside the local network (to the internet), IP addresses take over. == MAC Spoofing == Despite being "hardcoded," MAC addresses can be changed (spoofed) in software. This is known as '''MAC spoofing'''. === Why Spoof a MAC Address? === * Bypass MAC-based filtering (e.g. in cafés, hotels) * Mimic trusted devices to gain access in misconfigured firewalls * Circumvent "one device per user" limits on public Wi-Fi * Preserve anonymity on monitored networks === Example Scenario === A firewall is configured to allow traffic only from the MAC address of the administrator. If an attacker spoofs that MAC address, the firewall might wrongly allow unauthorized access. == Real-World Example: Public Wi-Fi == Many guest networks use MAC-based access control: * A hotel Wi-Fi gives limited access per MAC address * Faster or paid access is bound to the MAC of one device * By spoofing your MAC, you can reset your usage or impersonate another device == Why MAC Addressing Matters in Hacking == Understanding MAC addressing helps with: * Device fingerprinting and identification * Performing man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks * Evading basic network restrictions * Launching local network impersonation attacks == See Also == * [[ARP Protocol]] * [[IP Addressing]] * [[NAT]] * [[OSI Model]]
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