On 10 Oct 2005 07:42:25 -0700, *email_address_deleted* wrote:

>I have couple questions regarding MAC address changes:
>
>1) When we change the MAC address, it will change the firmware of NIC,
>or just temporary change?
>My observation is just temporary change.
>
>2) Do you think changing MAC address can secure the machine more? I
>mean at least hackers
>cannot keep track on the machines that easily? Well, maybe hackers
>should use IP address,
>but my observation is that when I change the MAC address, IP address
>will change as well.
>
>3) I try it myself, when I change the MAC address, it will change the
>IP address as well.
>IP address is assigned by ISP, maybe ISP assigns the IP address based
>on the MAC address
>of the machine as well? MAC address identifies the network card, and IP
>address identifies
>the computer on the internet.
>
>Please advise. thanks!!

IMHE, changing your MAC address is a useless method of providing security, and
can cause worse problems.
# It is a form of Security by Obscurity.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/security-by-obscurity.html>
# The MAC address is the lowest level identity in networking. See OSI model to
understand this
(<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/security-by-obscurity.html> for
example). You absolutely must have a unique MAC address on all networked
devices. If you go changing this identity element, and cause a conflict, you
could cause yourself and other people grief.
# If you change your MAC address in an attempt to change your IP address on a
public Internet service, you could cause pain for a few people, including
another subscriber, and the ISP. Changing your IP address is another form of
Security by Obscurity.

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.