this post was submitted on 04 Jul 2024
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Privacy
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Most modern operating systems randomize the MAC. DHCP does have extra fields such as the device's hostname that can be used to counter that.
But as I said, that's unlikely to be the weakest link. If you don't trust the network you're also likely in a public environment where people can just see you anyway.
[citation needed]
having the option to randomize the MAC is not the same as actually doing that. There are also a few downsides to random MACs, like captive portals not remembering you on public WiFis.
The default on android is to give every wifi network its own random but static mac.
Captive portals not remembering you between sessions is a huge bonus for captive portals with time limits.
that doesn't seem to be uniform behaviour. but i think we agree on the merit. if you are this paranoid, you just don't use networks where you don't have control over the local segment.
Easier said than done. Sometimes it's not an option.
there is always an option. unless you are pressured by lets say some state authority or your employee, in which case your identity is probably well known and they don't really need to spy on you through dhcp.