Every network interface — wired or Wi-Fi — has a [[!wikipedia MAC address]], which is a serial number defiassigned forto each interface fromat the factory by itsthe vendor. MAC addresses are used on the local network to identify the communications of each network interface.
Every network interface — wired or Wi-Fi — has a [[!wikipedia MAC address]], which is a serial number assigned to each interface at the factory by the vendor. MAC addresses are used on the local network to identify the communications of each network interface.
TailWhen MAC address canonymization is enabled, Tails temporarily changes the MAC addresses of your network interfaces to random values for the time of a working session. This is what we call "MAC address spoofing". MAC address spoofing in Tailsyour Tails session.MAC address anonymization hides the serial number of your network interface, and so, to some extendt, who you are, tofrom the local network.
When MAC address anonymization is enabled, Tails temporarily changes the MAC addresses of your network interfaces to random values for the time of your Tails session.MAC address anonymization hides the serial number of your network interface, and so, to some extent, who you are, from the local network.
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MAC address spoofinganonymization is enabled by default in Tails because it is usually beneficial. But in some situations it might also lead to connectivity problems or make your network activity look suspicious. This documentation explains whether to use MAC spoofingaddress anonymization or not, depending on your situation.
MAC address anonymization is enabled by default in Tails because it is usually beneficial. But in some situations it might also lead to connectivity problems or make your network activity look suspicious. This documentation explains whether to use MAC address anonymization or not, depending on your situation.
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When to keep MAC address spoofinganonymization enabled
**MAC address spoofinganonymization is enabled by default for all network interfaces.** This is usually beneficial, even if you don't want to hide your geographical location.
**MAC address anonymization is enabled by default for all network interfaces.** This is usually beneficial, even if you don't want to hide your geographical location.
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**Using your own computer on an public network without registration**, for example a free Wi-Fi service in a restaurant where you don't need to register with your identity. In this case, MAC address spoofinganonymization hides the fact that your computer is connected to this network.
**Using your own computer on an public network without registration**, for example a free Wi-Fi service in a restaurant where you don't need to register with your identity. In this case, MAC address anonymization hides the fact that your computer is connected to this network.
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**Using your own computer on a network that you use frequently**, for example at a friend's place, at work, at university, etc. You already have a strong relationship with this place but MAC address spoofinganonymization hides the fact that your computer is connected to this network *at a particular time*. It also hides the fact that *you* are running Tailsconnecting to the Tor network on this network.
**Using your own computer on a network that you use frequently**, for example at a friend's place, at work, at university, etc. You already have a strong relationship with this place but MAC address anonymization hides the fact that your computer is connected to this network *at a particular time*. It also hides the fact that *you* are connecting to the Tornetwork on this network.
