 sortofageekNot TroublePremium,Mod
join:2001-08-19
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| reply to Cabal
Re: Why hide a MAC? After reading the links to my posted opinions above, please note my reasons have nothing to do with how network layers work or fear of just anyone being able to hack me because I posted my MAC.
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priller
join:2000-10-20
Gainesville, VA | Network hacking wouldn't be an issue. However, social engineering may be.
The cable modem MAC is part of your account information. I wouldn't rule out the possibility of somebody calling Comcast CS and telling them to cancel the account. I would expect them to ask for more information like account number, name, address, etc. But, if you get a slacker, it may be possible.
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priller
join:2000-10-20
Gainesville, VA |
The cable modem MAC and the MAC of the attached device are two different things.
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sortofageekNot TroublePremium,Mod
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| reply to priller
said by priller:Network hacking wouldn't be an issue. However, social engineering may be. The cable modem MAC is part of your account information. Exactly. |
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| reply to priller
Unfortunately, thanks to the way Docsis works, comcast cable modem mac addresses are already broadcast to all subscribers in your area. It is trivial to pick up these mac addresses. Those that are in your area that can pick up your mac, are also probably the ones more likely to attempt to call and pretend to be you. Luckily Comcast doesn't make changes to an account just because you know a mac address (at least they're not supposed to), so it's irrelevant.
Bottom line:
Only comcast can link you from your mac posted on the internet.
Only comcast can access your modem using the mac address.
No one on the internet has access to your PC or can identify you by knowing the mac address of your PC.
As a result I don't mind sharing mine, but since I'm not at home I don't have access to it to share right now.
What mac address CAN reveal is the manufacturer or type of network device, if already unknown. |
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sortofageekNot TroublePremium,Mod
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| From that which I know, I agree with this:
quote:
Bottom line:
Only comcast can link you from your mac posted on the internet.
Only comcast can access your modem using the mac address.
I have no problem identifying myself to Comcast officials with a need to know who I am, through official and monitored channels. In that capacity they are trackable and the company takes responsibility for their actions.
I do not reveal to them, however, that I am sortofageek  on dslreports.com. If they happen to have some sort of grudge against me here, they have no reason to connect it with who I am as a real life customer of Comcast.
I have a different take on this:
quote:
No one on the internet has access to your PC or can identify you by knowing the mac address of your PC.
Many people "on the internet" and even frequenting this site and this forum are Comcast employees who could potentially associate sortofageek with who I am in real life if I posted my modem MAC. That would not only be the person(s) to whom I am speaking in a thread, but all of those who simply lurk and read. It could include someone who might wish to cause a member a little grief, given such an opportunity.
Now, please don't draw the conclusion I think Comcast employees are swarming the internet just for such purposes. I don't think that at all. I simply choose not to take a chance like that myself and, thus, I use official support channels when my modem MAC is required for troubleshooting.
My only purpose in speaking up is education. Many just don't know. Given knowledge of the possible risks, each one can weigh the risks and make an educated decision for their own situation. 
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