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On a typical Linux distro, what information do WiFi access points get when you search for and use another AP? (lemmy.ml)
submitted 4 months ago by to c/privacy@lemmy.ml
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Let's say, I sit down in a mall, open my laptop and connect to a secured mobile hotspot. Then I do it again next week after a reboot. What information would a nearby shop or a passive malicious hacker be able to find about my device? Does my device send out identifying information before joining, like a MAC address? Is this persistent, or randomized?

I intentionally haven't specified a distro, so if something only applies to some network managers, give some details.

Bonus points: what about Android phones?

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[–] 7 points 4 months ago (3 children)

I have no idea about Linux but on GrapheneOS the MAC address is randomized with each connection.The phone appears to be a different device each time.

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  • [–] 5 points 4 months ago

    This is actually an Android feature. iOS, too. It'll give a random MAC or device MAC depending on what you want.

    My MDM at work for Android-based handhelds I've configured to device MAC so I can geofence devices and keep track of them. If an employee connects to the employee network (which has to be configured by IT) we set it up with with device only MAC so we can add that device to the allowed list. Apple warns "it enables tracking" but if they ask I tell them in public it might be configured that way but we don't care nor monitor that closely. If someone shares out the WiFi password by digging through settings, it wouldn't matter as it's not allowed.

    Anyway, just thought I'd share both mainstream OSes do this now for a few years now.

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  • [–] 2 points 4 months ago (1 child)

    I hope there's a whitelist of SSIDs for this. I wouldn't want my home router to register a new device each time I come back home

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  • [–] 2 points 4 months ago (1 child)

    Is this why my GOS phone does not connect back to my home wifi every time i leave and come back?

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  • [–] 2 points 4 months ago (1 child)

    Mine connects if I don't turn off WiFi in the phone settings. Not sure why yours isn't.

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  • [–] 2 points 4 months ago (1 child)

    probably bc im stupid and didnt realize I have set it to turn wifi off automatically if it stays disconnected from any router for 10min

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