You’re probably aware of your network’s IP address, but there are other numerical identifiers you should know about. For instance, the MAC address associated with your router. If you’re worried about people violating your privacy, it might benefit to know what your address is and how MAC address lookup tools can help you.
What Exactly Is a MAC Address?
A MAC (media access control) number is a sequence of characters related to the unique identity of network interface cards (NICs). It basically establishes the presence of individual devices operating not throughout the whole network, but a small section or “segment” within it.
These addresses are burned into your devices by the manufacturer and are generally associated with Ethernet, Bluetooth, and other networking applications. They are represented as up to six pairs of hexadecimal digits separated by hyphens (-), e.g. 00-50-F2-DE-76-78.
The first half of a device’s MAC address is specific to its manufacturing company, and is therefore known as an organizationally unique identifier, or OUI. In the case of the above example, the prefix 00-50-F2, which can also be accepted as 00:50:F2, is the OUI. This particular prefix is linked with Microsoft and belongs to a device made by the company.
Knowing Your MAC Address
Since these addresses are given to every device that connects to a network, your computer has its own unique MAC address. For all users of Windows, this address can be verified by typing ipconfig/all into a command window and hitting Enter. The result will be listed as the “physical address” as it physically represents your device rather than the virtual network.
Other methods for checking your MAC address might differ for users of other devices or operating systems like Linux, IOS, or Android.
What Can Hackers Use Your MAC Address For?
Although MAC addresses are usually for the users and network operators to know, it’s possible for third-party users to find out what yours is. For the most part, only users operating within the bounds of a network segment can use MAC addresses just for identification purposes. Aside from that, your information is safe.
That being said, there are a few concerns. For instance, if someone gets hold of your device’s MAC address, they can steal your identity and use it to access the network by bypassing the router’s security. This can certainly be a problem if they are not welcome into certain networks or servers, but usually, no severe breach of data takes place in such a situation.
On the other hand, hackers can also assume the identity of a network provider by co-opting the router’s address. This is known as a “spoofing” attack and can be used by cybercriminals to potentially try and steal your vital information by pretending to be your original, secure network. Generally, however, this too is still nothing to lose sleepover.
MAC Lookup Tools
Though MAC addresses aren’t really the best avenue for hackers to access your privacy, it’s still a wise choice to at least know as much as you can about your service provider. While you can find out your device’s actual MAC sequence, a few details about your network are readily available but not as easy to access.
This is where online MAC Address finding tools can help you. By entering your device’s complete address or OUI, you can uncover details like your network range. Who your address vendor is? Are they active and which address they are currently operating from?
Benefits of MAC tools
These tools are available all across the internet, and they offer a number of advantages for users trying to look up their MAC vendor’s details.
Easy to Use
With most of these online tools, all you need to do is copy your MAC address into the search bar and you’ll get the relevant information immediately. If you don’t know what your MAC address is, they’ll provide a helpful step-by-step guide for checking it on your device or operating system.
Free of Cost
The best MAC Lookup servers provide their service free of cost, and there are many of them. Try to avoid websites that require registration or free trials for this very basic and publicly available facility. What they’re offering is likely not worth your time.
Secure Usage
As we’ve discussed, there are safety concerns regarding MAC addresses. For that reason, these websites do not save the address that you’ve looked up. They also shouldn’t ask you to create an account for their service, free or otherwise.
Conclusion
MAC addresses are nothing more than a label used to identify your network device. But while security risks are minimal, the availability of MAC address lookup tools offers a chance for users to communicate securely within networks.
