How to Prevent Mac Spoofing

MAC computers are growing increasingly popular in the world today and could eventually overtake PCs as the dominant computer system used in the United States. Many businesses have already begun switching to MACs, mostly because MACs currently are not susceptible to viruses since no virus programming has been developed for MACs to this date. MACs, however, do run the risk of MAC spoofing. MAC spoofing is when someone changes a computer to replicate someone else's IP and MAC address. This can allow someone to capture important information of the original user when he attempts to connect to the router with his user name and password.

Things You'll Need

• WPA-2 secure router

Instructions

1. Avoid wireless networks as much as possible when using your computer. While wireless networks are extremely convenient and popular, they also leave your MAC computer open to MAC spoofing. Through MAC spoofing, an attacker could gain access to your vital information, including computer passwords, online banking accounts and pin numbers stored on your computer.

2. Buy a WPA-2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) secure router if you decide wireless Internet is necessary in your home. These routers are available at your local technology stores. Check with a representative before buying a router to ensure it is WPA-2 protected.

3. Always connect to WPA-2 secured routers when it is necessary to use a wireless network, whether at work or at home. It is not necessary to connect to a wireless router at most offices. WPA-2 secure networks offer good protection against MAC spoofing, however, these networks can still be hacked by experienced spoofers, and thus, they are not 100 percent safe.

4. Run frequent scans on your computer to ensure all firewalls and security software are functioning properly. If you know or suspect that you are a victim of MAC spoofing, immediately contact your bank and the proper law enforcement authorities as soon as possible.

Resources

• Rcmp-grc.gc.ca: How to Prevent MAC Spoofing