In networking, there are digit numbers that can help identify a device. One of those is the MAC address. But what if you need to find the address for a specific device?
You can use an address look-up service to identify a MAC address. These websites try to maintain a database of these identifiers and their associated devices. Not all can be found in these databases, but it’s a good place to start.
Some of the best look-up websites are:
- dnschecker.org/mac-lookup.php
- mac.lc/address (add the address to the end of the URL)
- macaddress.io
- macvendors.com
If the id is found, you’ll see the vendor name and other information about the device. Often it’s just the manufacturer, but sometimes you’ll get the model name too.
If you only get the manufacturer of the device, then you can try a Google search for “MAC address look-up” + the manufacturer’s name.
It’s also worth noting that some devices can have their id address spoofed. So, just because you see a particular address id associated, it doesn’t mean that’s the only device that can use that address.
There are other ways to find out what device is associated with an identifier, but they tend to be more technical and require some networking knowledge.
If you have access to the router or network switch, you can check the DHCP table or ARP table to see the MAC id associated with a particular IP address.
Or, you can use a packet sniffer like Wireshark to capture traffic and look for the unique id in the packets.
You can also use the command line tool “arp” on a Mac or Linux computer to view the 12-character addresses of devices on your local network. For example, you have just plugged in a new SSD and need to identify the MAC address.
You can find the id number in the settings if you have access to the device.
For example, go to Settings -> General -> About and look for the “Wi-Fi Address” field on an iPhone. Go to Settings -> About Phone -> Status on an Android phone and look for the “Wi-Fi MAC Address” field.
Is MAC Address Public or Private?
A MAC address is only viable to those connected to the same Local Area Network as you, such as households that use the same router.
When you browse the internet, this information is not visible publicly.
If you are worried that software has been installed on your PC, which includes malware, then yes, someone can find your address id numbers.
But you should be more concerned that they have access to your computer first!
Key loggers, which can be used to record everything you type on your keyboard, are a much more significant threat to your privacy than someone finding your device id numbers.
Backdoor malware, which allows someone to control your computer remotely, is very harmful as they can access anything on your computer, including files, pictures, and sensitive information.
So if you are worried about someone finding out your hardware details such as an Asus router, then you should be more concerned with your computer’s security and making sure that it is free from malware.
Businesses with many employees or that deal with highly sensitive data might use a network package like Cisco Meraki to effectively control and secure internal networks.
Who Owns a MAC Address?
MAC addresses are not owned by devices or manufacturers. They are instead assigned to a network interface and act as a unique identifiers.
This information is made up of six pairs of hexadecimal digits.
The first three pairs are known as the Organizationally Unique Identifier (OUI), and they identify the manufacturer of the network interface.
The last three pairs are known as the Individual Address, and they identify a specific network interface.
You can think of a MAC address like a car’s license plate.
The OUI is like the state that issued the license plate, and the individual address is like the actual license plate number.
Just as you can’t own a license plate number, you can’t own an identifiying address.
How Do I Change My MAC Address?
Your MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to your network interface controller (NIC). It tracks packets as they travel through the network and helps devices communicate with one another.
The process to change your MAC id number is called spoofing, which means you are pretending to give your device a new address visible on the LAN.
First, you’ll need to find out the physical address of your NIC. To do this, open a command prompt and type “ipconfig.”
This will print out a list of all the devices attached to your network, including the MAC addresses.
Next, you’ll need to download a tool that can change your unique id number. Many different tools are available online, but one popular tool is called “Technitium MAC Address Changer“.
Once you’ve downloaded the tool, open it up and select your NIC from the list of devices.
Then enter the new 12 digits you want to use and click “Change.”
That’s it! Your new MAC address will be applied to your NIC, and will start working immediately.
Remember that some networks may require you to reboot your computer before the new changes take effect.
Conclusion
Finding the MAC address for a specific device can be difficult, but with the help of an address look-up service, it can be done.
These databases are a good resource for identifying addresses and their associated devices.
Although not 100% reliable, they provide a good starting point for your search and should be the first place you should look.