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Hidden WiFi: Bypass SSID & MAC Filtering

G5 Cyber Security

TL;DR

This guide shows you how to connect to a hidden WiFi network and bypass common security measures like MAC address filtering. It’s important to only do this on networks you have permission to access.

Understanding the Protections

Networks use two main methods to hide themselves:

Step 1: Finding the Hidden Network (SSID)

If you don’t know the SSID, you’ll need to find it. This usually requires access to the router settings.

  1. Access Router Settings: Open a web browser and type in your router’s IP address (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). You’ll need the administrator username and password.
  2. Locate Wireless Settings: Find the section for wireless settings, usually under ‘WiFi’, ‘Wireless’, or similar.
  3. Find SSID: The network name will be listed here. Note it down exactly – capitalization matters!

Step 2: Connecting to a Hidden Network on Windows

  1. Open WiFi Settings: Click the WiFi icon in your system tray.
  2. Select ‘Connect to a hidden network’: You might need to click ‘Advanced options’ or similar.
  3. Enter Network Details:
    • Network name (SSID): Type the SSID exactly as you found it in Step 1.
    • Security type: Select the correct security protocol (e.g., WPA2-Personal). This is also found in your router settings.
    • Encryption type: Usually AES, but check your router settings.
  4. Connect: Click ‘Connect’. You’ll be prompted for the WiFi password.

Step 3: Finding Your MAC Address

You need to find the MAC address of your device’s WiFi adapter.

  1. Open Command Prompt: Press Windows key + R, type ‘cmd’, and press Enter.
  2. Type `ipconfig /all` and press Enter: This will display a lot of network information.
  3. Find Wireless LAN adapter details: Look for the section corresponding to your WiFi adapter.
  4. Note Physical Address: The ‘Physical Address’ is your MAC address (e.g., 00-1A-2B-3C-4D-5E).
ipconfig /all

Step 4: Bypassing MAC Address Filtering

This step requires access to the router settings.

  1. Access Router Settings: As in Step 1.
  2. Locate MAC Filtering Settings: Find the section for MAC address filtering, usually under ‘Wireless’, ‘Security’, or similar.
  3. Add Your MAC Address: Add your device’s MAC address (from Step 3) to the allowed list. The interface varies by router manufacturer; it might be a simple text box or a table.
    • Some routers have an option to ‘Enable/Disable MAC Filtering’. Make sure it is enabled, and then add your MAC address.
  4. Save Changes: Save the router settings. The network may restart.

Step 5: Spoofing a MAC Address (If Necessary)

In rare cases, you might need to spoof your MAC address if the router is very strict or has already blocked your original one.

  1. Open Device Manager: Right-click the Windows Start button and select ‘Device Manager’.
  2. Expand Network adapters: Find your WiFi adapter.
  3. Properties: Right-click your WiFi adapter and select ‘Properties’.
  4. Advanced Tab: Go to the ‘Advanced’ tab.
  5. Network Address/MAC Property: Look for a property called ‘Network address’, ‘MAC Address’, or similar. If it doesn’t exist, you may need to install updated drivers for your WiFi adapter.
  6. Enter Spoofed MAC Address: Enter a valid-looking MAC address (e.g., 00-1A-2B-3C-4D-5E). Be careful – using an existing MAC address could cause conflicts on the network!
  7. OK: Click ‘OK’. You may need to restart your computer.

Warning: Spoofing a MAC address can be against your network’s terms of service and might cause connectivity issues.

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