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It’s worth noting that iOS has randomized MAC addresses in WiFi probes since iOS 8.[1] As far as I know your real MAC address is exposed upon connection. I’m cu

by krrrh 9y ago

It’s worth noting that iOS has randomized MAC addresses in WiFi probes since iOS 8.[1] As far as I know your real MAC address is exposed upon connection. I’m curious to what extent other vendors have implemented this strategy. [1] https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/06/ios8-to-stymie-trackers-and-marketers-with-mac-address-randomization/ https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/06/ios8-to-stymie-track...

lawl 9y ago
That doesn't address the issue of you being tracked by mac when logginh into a hotel, as you said the real mac is used when connecting. This only addresses tracking when your phone is in the pocket and sending probe requests to scan for AP's.
blitmap 9y ago
So... this post is about Ubuntu, but if we're going down that road: https://medium.com/@philipn/want-to-see-something-crazy-open-this-link-on-your-phone-with-wifi-turned-off-9e0adb00d024 https://medium.com/@philipn/want-to-see-something-crazy-open...
- aaomidi 9y ago
  Are there any demos for this still available?
developer2 9y ago
Unfortunately the iOS support is a sham. I tested myself, and the rumors that iOS does not randomize MACs turns out to be true. Not only does it not simply change over time, it doesn't even change when you restart the device. I walked around for a week, and my MAC never changed. Apparently, if it ever works at all, you have to run settings that nobody uses - including, iirc, not being connected to a cell tower. I used to spread the same FUD of "iOS does this!", but the truth is it's a lie.
- zaarn 9y ago
  It only uses the random MAC for Wifi probes, no router I know of records these but they can be sniffed. Any real connection uses proper MAC. If you want random MACs everytime I recommend Linux + a fairly recent NetworkManager.
  - jandrese 9y ago
    Unfortunately randomizing MACs for active connections has some usability concerns, especially with paid WiFi APs (Airports, Hotels, etc...). The best solution would be to make up a random but persistent MAC per connection, but that seems to be too difficult for some reason.

by krrrh 9y ago

lawl 9y ago

That doesn't address the issue of you being tracked by mac when logginh into a hotel, as you said the real mac is used when connecting. This only addresses tracking when your phone is in the pocket and sending probe requests to scan for AP's.

blitmap 9y ago

So... this post is about Ubuntu, but if we're going down that road: https://medium.com/@philipn/want-to-see-something-crazy-open-this-link-on-your-phone-with-wifi-turned-off-9e0adb00d024 https://medium.com/@philipn/want-to-see-something-crazy-open...

aaomidi 9y ago
Are there any demos for this still available?

developer2 9y ago

Unfortunately the iOS support is a sham. I tested myself, and the rumors that iOS does not randomize MACs turns out to be true. Not only does it not simply change over time, it doesn't even change when you restart the device. I walked around for a week, and my MAC never changed. Apparently, if it ever works at all, you have to run settings that nobody uses - including, iirc, not being connected to a cell tower. I used to spread the same FUD of "iOS does this!", but the truth is it's a lie.

zaarn 9y ago
It only uses the random MAC for Wifi probes, no router I know of records these but they can be sniffed. Any real connection uses proper MAC. If you want random MACs everytime I recommend Linux + a fairly recent NetworkManager.
- jandrese 9y ago
  Unfortunately randomizing MACs for active connections has some usability concerns, especially with paid WiFi APs (Airports, Hotels, etc...). The best solution would be to make up a random but persistent MAC per connection, but that seems to be too difficult for some reason.