Does Using A VPN Change Your Mac Address?
Because criminals’ advanced strategies are always evolving, cybercrime may always be an issue. A cybercriminal can locate your location on the internet (IP address) if they want to cause harm. After they’ve done this, they can identify the identity of the device you’re connected to (MAC address).
Fortunately, VPN services allow you to hide your internet location. Can they, do the same for your MAC address? Continue reading to find out if they can, as well as how to locate IP and MAC addresses on various devices.
What Is a VPN?
A VPN service provider hides your online identity, allowing you to access the internet safely and anonymously. It encrypts your data and masks your IP address by safely sending your online activities to a remote server.
VPNs spoof your IP address to make it appear as if you’re online from somewhere else. This not only protects your data but also allows you to access geo-restricted video streams in another country. Using the VPN provider’s software, you’ll be able to choose which server you want to pretend to be surfing from.
What Is an IP Address?
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique string of digits that represents a device connected to the Internet or a local network. The “Internet Protocols” are the standards that control the format of data transferred across these networks.
IP addresses are the identifiers that allow data to be transferred between network devices. They include location information and enable communication between devices. This method is used by the internet to distinguish between various routers, computers, and websites. IP and MAC addresses are both used to identify unique devices and networks and are critical to the operation of the Internet.
What Is a MAC Address?
A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a one-of-a-kind string of numbers and letters that may be used to identify your device on the internet. To connect to a network, all linked devices have a network interface card (NIC). Each card gets a unique MAC address from the NIC manufacturer. These addresses are also known as hardware addresses.
The MAC address, like IP addresses, is required for interaction between local and network devices.
Does Using VPN Change Your Mac Address?
The simple answer is “no.” The manufacturer of the device you use provides the MAC address. The VPN does not change the asset identity.
A VPN service provider hides your physical location. Your MAC address must be exposed for you to connect to the internet. However, there is MAC address-changing software available if you want to hide/change your MAC address before joining. One example is the Technitium MAC Address Changer.
